Katsina United defeated Enyimba 4-2 at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium on Friday to climb to sixth in the Nigeria Premier Football League table, ending the visitors’ three-match unbeaten run. The Matchday Eight encounter also marked the return of Friday night football under floodlights in the NPFL, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The hosts took the lead in the sixth minute after an error involving Enyimba defender Emeka and goalkeeper Dede Dare resulted in an own goal. Mubarak Sani doubled Katsina United’s advantage six minutes later to give the home side a commanding start.

Luis Dadong extended the Chanji Boys’ lead in the 58th minute with a clinical finish, leaving Enyimba with a three-goal deficit to overcome.

The visitors responded with two goals to threaten a comeback, but Katsina United restored their advantage in the 80th minute before Umar Rabi’u produced an impressive individual effort to seal the 4-2 victory. (PUNCH)

The result takes Katsina United to 12 points from eight matches, while Enyimba remain 17th with seven points from the same number of games.

The defeat ended Enyimba’s three-match unbeaten run, which included victories over Plateau United and Shooting Stars, as well as a goalless draw against Kano Pillars. The Aba-based side had lost their opening four league matches before the upturn in form.

Before Friday’s encounter, Enyimba assistant coach Lawrence Ukaegbu had expressed confidence in his players’ recovery, crediting their response and the support of the club’s fans for the improved results.

The victory also maintained Katsina United’s impressive home record against the nine-time Nigerian champions, with the Chanji Boys unbeaten against Enyimba on home soil since 2018.

Katsina United will next travel to face Kano Pillars on October 18 as they seek to build on their latest victory. (PUNCH)