Fed Cup: Sad end for Enyimba as Nasarawa pick final spot News

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Fed Cup: Sad end for Enyimba as Nasarawa pick final spot

By Editor on 16/10/2016

Enyimba Players and Coach Aigbogun

Seun Sogbeso’s well-struck penalty on the half hour proved decisive as Nasarawa United stunned four-time winners Enyimba 1-0 to reach the 2016 Federation Cup final.

United started the brighter of the two sides and could have taken the lead inside the opening eight minutes at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan with midfielder Lordson Ichull firing a free-kick horribly wide.

Enyimba slowly began to assert themselves, creating gilt-edged opportunities as the half wore on.

Uche John came close to opening the scoring for the People's Elephant in the 11th minute, but saw his shot from close range fly wide.

Enyimba continued to boss possession and Joseph Osadiaye was next to threaten for the boys from Aba in the 16th minute with a teasing free-kick which needed the slightest of touches to make the net bulge.

Moments later, Sogbeso made Enyimba pay for missed opportunities with his well-taken penalty that left goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai with no chance of keeping it out.

Enyimba proceeded to throw the kitchen sink at United with Stephen Chukwude coming close on 33 minutes, but it was the Lafia club that enjoyed the next clear-cut opening of the half.

Tayo Fabiyi found himself face to face with Afelokhai seconds before the interval but found the Enyimba man in uncompromising mood as he produced a big save to keep the game alive as a contest.

Enyimba returned from the changing rooms a revitalised side and almost drew level 11 minutes after the restart through Ikechukwu Ibenegbu’s free-kick, which narrowly flew over the bar.

Four minutes later, substitute Christian Pyagbara created some magic before being thwarted by Nasarawa United goalkeeper Suraj Ayeleso.

The Enyimba pressure was relentless at that stage as Ezekiel Bassey had a penalty appeal waved away by the referee on the hour mark, before Uche John’s ambitious acrobatic effort went wide a minute later.

Enyimba had their best chance of the game in the 67th minute when Chukwude’s effort clattered against the cross bar with Ayeleso beaten.

The four-time champions continued to ask attacking questions but United resisted with Ayeloso in fine form.

A late red card issued to John virtually put paid to any hopes of a comeback as Nasarawa United held out for a famous win.