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By Abiodun Adewale.
Enyimba striker Chukuwuememka Obioma was on song again for the People’s Elephant on match-day eight of the 2022/23 Nigeria Professional Football League, scoring both goals in their 2-0 win over Shooting Stars in Aba on Wednesday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The striker opened scoring two minutes into the game with a header off a free-kick, before adding the second just before half-time to take his tally to seven goals in eight games.
With a clean sheet and three points from the game, the result moved Enyimba to 13 points in Group A, with a neck-and-neck race to run with Remo Stars and Plateau United, who also have the same number of points.
Plateau United recorded an emphatic 5-0 whitewash of El-Kanemi Warriors in Jos to move within the top-three race in Group A, while Remo Stars had a goal ruled out in their goalless draw against struggling Kwara United in Ibadan. The draw was Kabiru Dogo’s first game in charge of the Harmony Boys.
In Benin, defender Ebuka Akobundu was the hero for table toppers Bendel Insurance as his second half goal was all that mattered in a 1-0 win over Nasarawa United.
The defender made a dashing run and combined well in the 52nd minute to lash home from the right to ensure the Benin Arsenal moved to 19 points on the table, six points above Enyimba, Plateau and Remo.
In Group B, Wikki Tourists beat leaders Lobi Stars 2-1 to record their second win of the season, even as other teams within the reach of top spot failed to take advantage.
Doma United, however, moved up to fourth on the table, thanks to a 1-0 win over third-place Abia Warriors, while Sunshine Stars were undone by another own goal in their 2-1 defeat to Dakkada in Uyo, which leaves them with nine points from eight matches.
The game between Enugu Rangers and Rivers United was postponed due to the continental engagement of the reigning champions.
The abridged season will reach midway on Sunday with match-day nine fixtures across different venues.