Enyimba, Yobe Stars Claim Naija Super 8 Finals Slots

Reigning Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Enyimba International of Aba, and Nigeria National League (NNL) side, Yobe Desert Stars of
Damaturu, booked their tickets for the Naija Super 8 finals in Lagos, after winning their zonal play-off matches at the Eket Township Stadium on Saturday.

Enyimba edged Heartland 1-0 in a cagy ‘Oriental Derby’, while Yobe Stars produced the first upset in the Naija Super 8 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 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 and
drew another fine save from Enyimba goalkeeper, Olorunkeke 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 Olorunkeke. 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 8 finals, George said “It’s going to be a different ball game. We know how to play those types of tournaments.”

Earlier in the day, Yobe Stars dominated the opening stanza of the North-East derby with their crisp passing. The Desert Stars drew a brilliant save from
Gombe United goalkeeper with a long-range freekick in the 21st minute and hit the bar nine minutes later.

Gombe were uncoordinated, especially in the final third and were duly punished on 40 minutes by Tony Elaigwu, whose close- control allowed him to elude his
marker before poking the ball into the net. The Desert Stars kept the momentum and were rewarded with another goal by Shuaibu Adamu in the 45th minute.

Naija Super 8 finals will be held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos from 7-16 July. The tournament is organised by Flykite Productions in partnership
with MultiChoice Nigeria and sponsors, MTN, Hero Lager, DStv, GOtv, SuperSport, Moniepoint, Pepsi and Custodian Assurance.