Enyimba, Yobe Stars qualify as Insurance battle Rivers United today

Kano Pillars, Katsina also tango in Naija Super Eight Play-Off

Reigning Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Enyimba of Aba, alongside Nigeria National League (NNL) side, Yobe Desert Stars of Damaturu, yesterday at the Eket Township Stadium, booked their tickets for the Naija Super Eight Play-off national finals.

Enyimba defeated Heartland 1-0 in a cagy ‘Oriental Derby,’ while Yobe Stars produced the first upset in the play-offs with a 2-1 victory over NPFL side, Gombe United.

In the keenly contested South-East derby, Heartland recorded the first shot on target in the 14th minute, but it was Enyimba, Nigeria’s most successful club, who opened the scoring in the 25th minute through Murphy Ndukwe.

The People’s Elephant had a chance to double their lead in the 39th minute, but fluffed their lines from close range. Heartland pushed for the equaliser only to draw another fine save from Enyimba goalkeeper, Olorunleke Ojo in the 43rd minute.

Both teams cancelled each other out for most of the second half, as they struggled to create clear-cut chances. Heartland managed another shot on target in the 69th minute, which was repelled by Olorunleke.  Enyimba had a big opportunity to double their lead in the 87th minute, but Eriugo fired his shot wide.

Despite the victory, Enyimba coach, Finidi George, was not totally happy with his team’s performance.

“We knew it was going to be difficult. Happy we won but not happy the way we played, especially in the second half. Overall, we had chances to score a second goal, but I am not happy about the play. We were lucky they didn’t get an equaliser,” he said.

On how his team will approach the Naija Super Eight finals, George said: “It’s going to be a different ball game. We know