A second-half rally could not help Enyimba overturn a 2-1 deficit away to El-Kanemi Warriors on Sunday as the Glo Premier League leaders suffered their fifth defeat of the season.
An Omo Johnson strike and a brace from Asamoah Godbless helped Dolphins see off fellow relegation threatened side Taraba FC and move out of the bottom of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) table.
First-half strikes from Benjamin Turba and Efe Yarhere inflicted a disappointing loss on Enyimba, as substitute Nzube Anaezemba’s goal could only count for a consolation at the Karkanda Stadium in Katsina.
El-Kanemi made their winning intent clear right from the blast of the referee’s whistle, with Ifeanyi Mathew and Emmanuel Agali both attempting early shots at goal.
Turba opened scoring for the hosts in the eighth minute, drilling his powerful shot beyond Joshua Enaholo in goal for the Peoples Elephants.
Yarhere ensured El-Kanemi were 2-0 up at the break, curling home an impressive effort in the 25th minute. He continued to torment Enyimba’s defence in the second half but could not convert a one-on-one with Enaholo on 47th minute.
Peter Onyekachi hit the woodwork in the 76th minute before Anaezemba halved the deficit for the visitors.
Enyimba now have 55 points from 30 games, while El-Kanemi have 39 points.
In Port-Harcourt, Johnson’s early opener gave Dolphins a half-time lead, before the forward provided for Asamoah to double their slim lead on 70th minute. The Ghanaian export completed his brace seven minutes later after another sloppy defending by the Jalingo-based side.
Bishop Onyeudo scored Taraba’s consolation in the 85th minute after Chigozie Ihunda was adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty area.
Dolphins are now one point clear of the drop with 34 points as the defeat compounded the woes of 19th-placed Taraba.
Glo Premier League Match Day 30 Results
Giwa FC 1-0 Sharks
Dolphins 3-1 FC Taraba
El-Kanemi 2-1 Enyimba
Wikki 2-0 Bayelsa United
Heartland 0-0 Lobi Stars
Nasarawa Utd 1-0 Rangers
Abia Warriors 2-1 Wolves
FC Ifeanyiubah 1-1 Kano Pillars
Shooting Stars 1-0 Akwa Utd
Kwara Utd 1-2 Sunshine Stars
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate