Enyimba tame Akwa United

Ikechukwu Ibenegbu scored a fantastic free-kick deep in the second half to inspire champions Enyimba to a 2-1 win over Akwa United in the Nigeria Professional Football League on Saturday.
The midfielder showed nerves of steel and the ability to hit a pin head from range to give the Aba club a crucial victory as they look to begin a late charge to defend their title.
Mfon Udoh’s expertly-taken penalty in the 11th minute had set the tone as Enyimba took the lead early in the contest.
Ubong Idio cynically pulled back a goal-bound Stephen Chukwude in the Akwa United box, and the referee did not hesitate in awarding Enyimba a penalty while issuing the defender a yellow card for his troubles.
NPFL record scorer Udoh is not a man who buckles under pressure, and he promptly stepped up to send Akwa United goalkeeper Victor Obiowo the wrong way, as the Peoples Elephant shot into an early lead.
Udoh almost doubled Enyimba’s lead moments later, but his jinxing run into the Akwa United penalty area was halted by stoic defending.
Akwa United should have been level on 33 minutes when Hassan Babangida came face to face with Joel Afelokhai, but he fired a feeble effort straight at the Enyimba goalkeeper when it seemed easier to score.
Babangida redeemed himself with a superb finish on the stroke of half-time, as the Enyimba defence temporarily switched off and paid dearly for it.
Enyimba stepped on the accelerator after the break, but failed to breach the well-organised Akwa United backline for long periods.