NPFL: Inter Lagos Deepen Enyimba Misery, Claim First League Win

Inter Lagos secured their first Nigeria Premier Football League victory of the season on Sunday, defeating nine-time champions Enyimba 1-0 at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba.

Ezekiel Moses scored the only goal of the match in the 18th minute, rising to meet a pinpoint cross and heading the ball beyond Enyimba goalkeeper Kelvin Ogunga.

The victory marked Inter Lagos’ first points since their promotion to the top flight.

The Lagos side had lost their opening three matches, including a 2-1 defeat to Shooting Stars, a 1-0 home loss to Doma United and a 3-0 defeat by city rivals Sporting Lagos.

Coach Shakiru Giwa’s team responded strongly in Aba, producing a disciplined defensive performance to protect their early advantage against the former Nigerian champions.

Enyimba dominated possession for long periods, but struggled to create clear opportunities against an organised Inter Lagos defence.

The hosts came close to equalising when Johna James released Ifeanyi Ihemekwele into space late in the second half. Ihemekwele’s low effort beat the goalkeeper but struck the crossbar.

Enyimba technical adviser Emmanuel Deutsch attempted to change the course of the match by making three substitutions, bringing on Ifeanyi Ihemekwele, Obichere Odinaka and Samuel Okechukwu.

However, Inter Lagos remained composed and held on for a historic away victory.

For Enyimba, the defeat extended a difficult beginning to the 2026/27 NPFL campaign. The Aba club have now lost all three of their opening league matches and remain the only team without a point at this stage.

Enyimba began the campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Niger Tornadoes before losing 2-0 to Doma United on Matchday Three.

The defeat leaves Enyimba under pressure ahead of their outstanding Matchday Five fixture against Sporting Lagos on Wednesday.

Inter Lagos, meanwhile, will hope their first victory can provide valuable momentum for their debut NPFL campaign as they adjust to the demands of top-flight football. They are scheduled to host Kano Pillars on Wednesday.

The victory also gives the newly promoted side confidence after suffering three defeats in their first three league appearances.

With the season still in its early stages, both teams will look to use their next fixtures to address contrasting starts and build momentum.