Reigning champions, Enyimba have defeated strugglers, Bayelsa United in their match day 16 Nigeria Premier Football League on Thursday to end the year on a high, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The People's Elephant got the better of the Prosperity Boys 2-1 at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenegoa after goals from Ekene Awazie and Chijioke Mbaoma.
With 3 points in view, Coach Finidi George made 3 changes to the side who drew Rangers International at the Enyimba International Stadium about a week ago.
Innocent Gabriel, Yakubu Bilal and Elijah Akanni all returned to the starting 11.
Enyimba came out with the first shot by Akanni but it was no treat as it went off target in the 2nd minute.
However, it was the hosts that came closer with 2 corner kicks in 12 minutes with Olorunleke Ojo punching off the first and making a great save in between.
Olorunleke made another save toward the end of the first half to keep the score line goalless after 45 minutes.
United continued the high momentum of the first half threatening to score the Aba giants. However, Finidi made 3 changes in the 63rd minute.
Chibuike Nwaiwu, Ekene Awazie and Pascal Eze came in for Somiari Alalibo, Elijah Akanni and Chidiebere Nnachi which brought in changes to the game of Enyimba.
2 minutes later, substitute Awazie scored a fine goal with his first kick from the cross of Mbaoma.
Mbaoma almost got the second goal for Enyimba 3 minutes later, but it was the host who restored parity in the 72nd minute through Israel Consul.
The intensity of the game increased as Mbaoma was fouled in the box and after consultation with the assistant referee, the centre referee gave Enyimba the penalty.
Mbaoma stepped up to score and put the visiting team ahead with 10 minutes left to the end of the game.
However, the host mounted pressure to level scores, but Olorunleke made another save and a penalty played by Robert Mizo, helping Enyimba International to hold on and get all points at the end.
Uche Dozie