The Zobia Derby lived up to its billing in Aba as Enyimba produced a confident performance to defeat visiting Kano Pillars by two goals to nil and end a three-match losing streak in the NPFL.
The match kicked off under a lively Aba atmosphere, with the fans in full voice from the first whistle. Enyimba immediately took control of the game, dominating possession and pressing high up the pitch. The midfield trio of Chinedu Ufere, Joseph Atule and Bright Emmanuel controlled proceedings, forcing Pillars to sit deep and defend in numbers. Within the opening ten minutes, the People’s Elephant had already enjoyed close to sixty-five percent of the ball, dictating tempo through short passes and quick interchanges on both flanks.
Bright Emmanuel came close in the sixth minute with a curling effort that went narrowly wide. Moments later, the visitors threatened when Rabiu Ali’s free kick forced Kevin Ogunga into a sharp save, followed by three successive corners that tested Enyimba’s back line. Peter Afolayan and Dede Dare stood firm to repel the danger.
Enyimba regained their rhythm midway through the half. In the twenty-second minute, Ufere released Atule through the middle, but the forward’s low drive was comfortably gathered by goalkeeper Galadinma. The breakthrough eventually came in the twenty-ninth minute and it was well deserved. John Bassey, still searching for his first goal of the season, reacted quickest to a loose ball in the area and finished calmly to put Enyimba ahead. Aba erupted in celebration.
Five minutes later, the home crowd had more to cheer. Bassey, full of confidence after opening his account, turned provider by setting up Edidiong Ezekiel. The winger made no mistake, finishing neatly to double the advantage and score his second of the campaign. Pillars looked shell-shocked, unable to contain Enyimba’s movement and passing. The first half ended with the hosts in complete control, leading two goals to nil.
Kano Pillars returned after the break with renewed determination and tried to find a way back into the contest. They pressed higher, with Rabiu Ali and Okorie leading the charge. In the fifty-fifth minute, A. Adam missed a clear opportunity, heading just over the bar from close range. Minutes later, Okorie forced Ogunga into a brilliant one-on-one save that drew loud applause from the home supporters. The Kenyan goalkeeper’s reflex stop turned out to be the defining moment of the half.
Coach Stanley Eguma introduced Christian Molokwu and Abubakar Salman for the injured Nwokeji Godswill and Bright Emmanuel around the sixty-fifth minute to maintain energy levels in midfield. Later, Ifeanyi Okechukwu and Jacobs Jonathan came on for Bassey and Kalu Nweke as Enyimba switched to game management mode.
The game grew physical in the closing stages, with yellow cards shown to Afolayan and Ezekiel for Enyimba, while Idris of Pillars also went into the referee’s book. The visitors pushed forward late on through Rabiu Ali and substitute Stanley Dimgba, but Enyimba’s defense held firm. Ogunga remained alert, Afolayan and Dare stayed composed, and the midfield worked tirelessly to protect the lead.
After six minutes of added time, the referee’s final whistle confirmed Enyimba’s victory. It was a professional and disciplined performance that brought relief to the home fans and handed Coach Eguma a crucial result at the start of his two-match ultimatum.
John Bassey was deservedly named Man of the Match after scoring one and assisting another. Ezekiel impressed with his energy and precision in attack, while Ogunga continued his fine form with another outstanding display between the posts.
The win lifts Enyimba up the NPFL table and restores belief after a difficult October. For Kano Pillars, it was another disappointing outing in Aba, where they have now failed to win in eighteen visits since 2002.
Full Time: Enyimba 2–0 Kano Pillars
Goalscorers: Bassey (29’), Ezekiel (34’)
EnyimbaEnyi 💙
