By SCM Sports Desk I Sunday, 20, 2026
ABA, NIGERIA — The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered one of the most stunning scorelines of the 2026/27 campaign on Sunday afternoon as top-flight debutants Inter Lagos pulled off a historic 1-0 victory over nine-time Nigerian champions Enyimba FC at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba.
A early 18th-minute header from Inter Lagos forward Ezekiel Moses proved to be the decisive stroke of brilliance, silencing the passionate home crowd and securing his club’s first-ever points in the Nigerian top tier. The result extends a deep crisis for Enyimba, leaving the former African champions rooted to the bottom of the table without a single point from their opening fixtures.
Match Overview and Prose Statistics
From the opening whistle, Enyimba sought to exert their authority on home turf, dominating initial possession and pushing high up the pitch.
However, Inter Lagos showcased remarkable tactical discipline and composure under pressure. The game turned decisively in the 18th minute when Inter Lagos broke forward on a swift counter-attack. A pinpoint cross was whipped into the box, meeting the soaring run of Ezekiel Moses, who directed a superb header into the top corner beyond the helpless Enyimba goalkeeper.
Despite conceding early, Enyimba controlled approximately 62% of the overall ball possession, continually probing the visitors’ defensive structure.
The hosts registered 14 total shot attempts throughout the 90 minutes, yet only three managed to test the Inter Lagos goalkeeper, reflecting a glaring lack of precision in the final third. Inter Lagos, operating on a classic counter-attacking blueprint, were vastly more clinical, turning 38% ball possession into 7 total shot attempts, four of which were targeted directly on goal.
The second half saw Enyimba throw everything forward in desperate search of an equalizer. The Aba giants earned eight corner kicks compared to just two for Inter Lagos, repeatedly loading the penalty box with crosses. However, the Inter Lagos backline, led by their star defenders, produced an defensive masterclass, racking up over 25 successful clearances, eight crucial interceptions, and five vital blocks inside their own 18-yard area.
Physical intensity ran high throughout the contest, with a total of 26 fouls committed across both sides—15 by Enyimba as frustration set in, and 11 by Inter Lagos. The referee issued four yellow cards in total, distributing two to each team, but Inter Lagos maintained their tactical shape through six minutes of tense stoppage time to seal a famous victory.
The undisputed star of the match was Inter Lagos match-winner Ezekiel Moses. Beyond scoring the historic goal that handed his side their maiden NPFL points, Moses served as an exceptional focal point in attack, holding up play against Enyimba’s physical defenders and winning crucial aerial duels to relieve pressure on his defense.
For Enyimba, the defeat marks a troubling start to their league campaign, marking three consecutive losses after earlier defeats to Niger Tornadoes and Doma United. While Enyimba’s midfield star men showed flashes of creativity, their inability to convert territorial dominance into clear-cut scoring opportunities cost them dearly.
With this momentous 1-0 away victory, Inter Lagos announced their arrival on Nigerian football’s biggest stage, while Enyimba faces an urgent rebuilding task to reignite their season.
