Mfon Udoh’s brace ensured Enyimba overcame neighbors Abia Warriors 2-1 in a Nigeria Professional Football League game played in Calabar on Sunday.
The Enyimba captain opened scoring in the 20th minute via a spot-kick. The former Akwa United man made it two barely two minutes into the second half.
But in the 65th minute, substitute Chimezie Amanfor reduced the tally for the Warriors during a goal mouth scramble.
With the rains setting in to disrupt the free flow of the game, the game’s atmosphere became highly charged as the controversy which trailed the goal led to increased tension.
Two red cards soon followed, with Uche Oharulam of Abia Warriors and Kelle Kester of Enyimba being sent off for unruly behavior.
Speaking later, coach Gbenga Ogunbote of Enyimba said his players performed well.
“They played to instructions. In a local derby, the kind of game we have seen is what you should expect,’’ he said.
Abia Warriors’ coach Abdullahi Biffo, on his part, said there was no excuse for his team to have lost the match.
“There is no excuse. We have to go back and prepare for the game against Plateau United,’’ he said.
