Enyimba International FC of Aba suffered another setback in the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Wednesday when they drew 1-1 with visiting Bayelsa United.
In the Match Day 36 fixture of the NPFL, Enyimba’s Alade Balogun raised the hopes of the teeming Aba fans when he finished off Chijioke Mbaoma’s pass in the 20th minute to give them an early lead.
The team’s celebration was shortlived as Ekeson Okorie’s close-range shot beat Enyimba’s goalkeeper Ani Ozomena to level scores at 1-1 in the 35th minute.
In a post-match interview, Olanrewaju Yemi, the coach of Enyimba, said the frustration his players suffered following the Match Day 35 fixture against Rangers International FC of Enugu on Sunday affected their psyche.
The People’s Elephants walked out in stoppage time after the referee awarded Rangers a penalty in the 107th minute.
Thereafter, some spectators believed to be Enyimba fans thronged the pitch, bringing the match to an abrupt end and causing the NFPL management to fine Enyimba N10 million, with three goals and three points awarded to Rangers International.
Enyimba occupy the third position on the NPFL table with 60 points while Bayelsa United has now risen to the 16th place with 44 points.
Here are the results of the other Match Day 36 games:
Gombe United 1-3 Abia Warriors
Bendel Insurance 2-1 Rivers United
Niger Tornadoes 3-2 Lobi Stars
Remo Stars 4-1 Heartland
Kwara United 2-0 Kano Pillars
Akwa United 3-1 Katsina United
Enyimba International 1-1 Bayelsa United
Sporting Lagos 1-2 Plateau United
Shooting Stars 1-0 Rangers International
The match between Doma United and Sunshine Stars will be played on Wednesday 19 June.
