Glo Premier League returnees, Gabros FC shot to second place on the log with a hard fought 2-0 win over oriental rivals, Enyimba FC in Nnewi.
A barren first half was capped by inspiring saves from both goalkeepers, which also saw
Daniel Etor hit the woodwork for Enyimba from 30 yards in the 15th minute. Chukwudi Stephen then struck first in the 52nd minute, following a swift counter-attack set up by Nwosu Oluchukwu, before Chibuzor Okonkwo doubled the lead in added time from the spot.
Enyimba without midfielder, Kingsley Sokari, who is away on international duty, preferred Moses Ocheje to Femi Thomas in goal, while Peter Onyekachi was dropped to the bench.
It was the host who got the action underway, as Ocheje was forced into making two quick saves to keep his side in the game.
League record goalscorer, Mfon Udoh was close to grabbing the lead for his side in the 27th minute. The Super Eagles striker was denied by a resolute Gabros goalkeeper Chidiebere Eze who closed in to pick up his low shot inside the area.
Isaac Emeka missed a scoring from a glaring opportunity to put the hosts in front five minutes to the break, steering an inspiring cross from Mbono Ikechukwu over the woodwork from six yards. The Nnewi side will draw first blood in the 52nd minute, when Chukwudi Stephen was sent clear by his captain, Nwosu to bury home the opener from 12 yards.
Enyimba coach Kadiri Ikhana brought in reinforcement, withdrawing Rafael Boumsong for Peter Onyekachi to switch the formation to a 4-4-2.
The gamble almost paid off in the 70th minute, when the Under-23 forward headed Chinonso's cross against the woodwork. The visitors kept piling the pressure, as Udoh came close to levelling terms in the 77th minute, but was denied by a brilliant Chidiebere save.
Two minutes into extra time, a rampaging Okereke Maduabuchi, earned his side a penalty after he was brought down in the area by Chinedu Udoji. Chibuzor Okonkwo blasted home the resultant spot kick to hand his side a massive win
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