Sporting Lagos beat Enyimba, Barau top Nigeria’s championship — Premium Times Nigeria

In Aba, Nigeria, top-division newcomers Sporting Lagos defeated Enyimba 3-2 in a Nigerian football championship match. For the nine-time Nigeria Premier Football League champions, it was a fourth consecutive defeat at the start of the season: the team has earned no points and sits bottom of the table.

According to Premium Times Nigeria, Enyimba have failed to win any of their first four league matches for the first time in 27 years. Before the match against Sporting Lagos, the club had already lost to Niger Tornadoes 1-2, Doma United 0-2 and Inter Lagos 0-1.

Away comeback in Aba

Enyimba took the lead shortly before half-time through a goal by Stanley Dimgba. Early in the second half, Abdullahi Abdulrakeeb equalised, but in the 54th minute Tobi Ige Iyanda converted a penalty to put the hosts ahead again.

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Haruna Hadi restored parity 11 minutes later, while substitute Daniel Abo scored the winning goal in the 69th minute. Enyimba chairman and former Nigeria international Nwankwo Kanu had appealed to supporters before the match to back the team following its poor start.

Barau move into first place

Barau went top of the table after a 2-0 win over Abia Warriors. Joseph Atule opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, and Ibrahim Ayoola doubled the advantage in the 61st. The team remains unbeaten and has 11 points after five matches.

Defending champions Rangers International beat Ranchers Bees 1-0 thanks to a Chidozie Iwundu goal 10 minutes before the final whistle. Rangers moved up to second place, one point behind Barau with a game in hand. Doma United dropped to third after a 2-2 draw with Plateau United.