Nigeria league leaders Enyimba slipped in their charge for a seventh championship after they lost 2-1 to regional rivals Heartland on Sunday.
Enyimba on 58 points are now just three points clear of second-placed Warri Wolves with six rounds of matches till the end of the season.
The ‘Oriental Derby’ lived up to its billing as both teams gave a good account of themselves with hosts Heartland deserved winners.
Fortune Omoniwari gave the lead in the 40th minute from a well-struck free kick, but Enyimba, who were reduced to 10 men after Ifeanyi Anaemena was sent off for a second booking in the 38th minute, drew level in first half stoppage time through Markson Ojobo from the penalty spot following a hand ball. It was Ojobo’s fifth penalty goal this season.
Emeka Ogbugh scored the match winner for the home team in the 62nd minute to push them to seventh place on the league table.
Heartland thus avenged a 2-0 loss they suffered at Enyimba in the first round of the season.
Wikki Tourists stayed in the hunt for the Nigeria league championship when they beat FC Taraba 1-0 courtesy of Victor Yakubu.
In Bauchi, Wikki are now third on the table with 54 points from 32 games, while Taraba are bottom of the 20 teams league table with 30 points.
Former JUTH FC striker Yakubu fired a left-footed shot off another ex-JUTH player Uche Martins in the 27th minute.
He has now scored six goals in the league this season.
He was denied another goal by Taraba goalkeeper Kakawa who made a save in the 52nd minute.
Taraba finished the game with 10 men following a red card to John Huan in the 64th minute after a second booking.
Meanwhile Dolphins remained stuck in the drop zone of the Nigeria league after they played out a goalless draw with FC IfeanyiUbah in Port Harcourt on Sunday.
Dolphins remain 17th on the 20-team league table with 35 points and six rounds of matches to be played.
Dolphins had a chance to score as early as the fifth minute, but Oghogho Oduokpe fired wide from a good position off Omo Johnson pass after good work from the right flank.
In the 77th minute, Dolphins goalkeeper Sunday Rotimi stopped Chibuzor Okonkwo’s free kick from finding the target. (Daily Sun)
