Enugu Rangers coach John Obuh has blasted referee Amoo Opeyemi for his team’s 1 – 2 loss to Enyimba in an ‘Oriental Derby’ yesterday.
“We lost the game to the antics of the referee and his assistants,” blasted the former Nigeria U-20 coach.
“My players allowed the referee’s action to get to them and they lost concentration which resulted in the two goals.
“All the same, I am impressed with the output of my players and we hope to do better in coming games,” he said.
Sibi Gwar put hosts Enyimba in front on the hour, before Andrew Abalogu doubled the advantage on 79 minutes.
Enyimba Semiu Laide put the ball into his net on the stroke of time.
Abdulrahman Bashir was wasteful in front of goal for Enyimba in an entertaining, end-to-end derby with Ejike Uzoenyi dazzling for Rangers.
Champions Kano Pillars survived a scare from Sunshine Stars at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano also yesterday as they forced the Akure Gunners to a 2 – 2 draw.
Pillars thus remained unbeaten in Kano for over 10 years in the top flight.
Ezekiel Mba opened the scoring for Pillars in the 33rd minute.
Dele Olorundare then restored parity for Sunshine in the 71st minute to bring the game to 1-1.
Sunshine Stars were coasting home with a victory after Kingsley Eduwo gave the visitors the lead in the 81st minute, before Gambo Mohammed salvaged a point for Pillars deep into stoppage time.
Rabiu Ali, Bello Kofarmata and Gambo Mohamed failed to find the back of the net when they were clear on goal.
Sunshine goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa kept Sunshine in the game when he saved Rabiu Ali’s spot kick in the 62nd minute.
Crown FC recorded their first win of the season after they defeated Heartland 1 – 0 at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
Crown, who lost narrowly to Lobi Stars last weekend, have super sub Christian Jeckwu to thank as he scored a fantastic match winner in the 78th minute.
Jeckwu, who came in for Yomi Olaoke in the 42nd minute, showed class.
Crown coach Lawrence Akpokona said he expected much more from his newly promoted team.
“As we are proceeding they will make things happen in the league. We have good materials who can perform better in the league, but we have just started and I know we will surprise our critics,” he said.
