The Lagos-based club arrived at the Enyimba Stadium looking for their first points of the campaign after losing their opening three matches.
However, they produced a determined performance against the nine-time NPFL champions to claim a memorable victory and end their difficult start to life in Nigeria’s top flight.
Ezekiel provided the decisive moment in the 18th minute, finding the back of the net to put Inter Lagos ahead.
The teenager’s goal proved enough to secure all three points as Inter Lagos defended their advantage for the remainder of the match.
Moses Ezekiel gives Inter Lagos historic win
The goal was an important moment for the young forward, who was making only his second or third appearance of the campaign.
Inter Lagos head coach Shakiru Giwa praised Ezekiel after the match, describing the goal as a major confidence boost for the youngster.
According to Giwa, scoring against a club with Enyimba’s pedigree could have a positive impact on the teenager’s development.
The victory also ended Inter Lagos’ three-match losing streak after defeats against Shooting Stars, Doma United and Sporting Lagos.
First NPFL victory for Inter Lagos
The result marks Inter Lagos’ first victory since gaining promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
The Lagos club had endured a difficult beginning to their debut campaign, but their performance in Aba demonstrated their ability to compete against one of the country’s most decorated football clubs.
Giwa admitted that very few people expected his young side to leave Aba with three points after their poor opening results.
The coach said the players responded positively by improving their organisation and remaining committed to their approach throughout the match.
Heavy rain adds to difficult conditions
The match was played in challenging conditions after heavy rain hit Aba before kick-off and continued intermittently during the game.
Rather than seeing the weather as a disadvantage, Giwa described the rain as a blessing for his team after they secured their first win of the season.
The Inter Lagos coach also felt his players could have scored more goals if the weather conditions had been better.
Giwa explains Inter Lagos’ difficult start
Giwa attributed some of Inter Lagos’ early problems to their late preparation for the new season.
The coach explained that the team had only a short period to prepare together before the start of the NPFL campaign.
He also pointed to the inexperience of the squad, with many of the players coming from the lower divisions of Nigerian football.
According to Giwa, only one player in the squad had previous NPFL experience before the campaign began.
The coach believes the team needs more time on the training ground for the players to develop a stronger understanding and build the chemistry required to compete consistently at the highest domestic level.
Inter Lagos refuse to abandon attacking approach
Despite suffering three defeats at the beginning of the season, Giwa said his team had no intention of abandoning its attacking philosophy.
The coach explained that Inter Lagos had chosen to compete rather than simply sit deep against more experienced opponents.
Their approach eventually paid off in Aba as Ezekiel’s goal gave them the platform to secure their first three points.
Giwa believes the result should serve as encouragement to his young players, while also warning them that they must continue working hard.
Enyimba suffer another defeat
For Enyimba, the defeat represents another disappointing result at the start of the new NPFL campaign.
The Aba giants were unable to find an equaliser after falling behind and remain under pressure following another loss.
Inter Lagos, meanwhile, can take considerable confidence from defeating one of Nigerian football’s most successful clubs on their own ground.
Inter Lagos turn attention to Kano Pillars
The Lagos club will now look to build on the victory when they return to action against Kano Pillars.
Giwa has stressed that defeating Enyimba must be the beginning of a positive run rather than an isolated achievement.
For Inter Lagos, the victory provides a much-needed lift after three consecutive defeats.
For Moses Ezekiel, his winning goal could prove to be an important milestone in what is still the early stage of his professional career.
The teenager’s decisive strike has given Inter Lagos their first NPFL victory and offered the newly promoted club renewed belief as they continue their debut season in Nigeria’s top flight.
Matchday 4 NPFL Results
The fourth round of matches also produced several notable results across the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Kano Pillars recorded the biggest home victory of the round, defeating Doma United 4-1, while Enugu Rangers claimed an impressive 4-2 away victory against Kun Khalifat FC.
Abia Warriors also secured three points on the road with a 2-0 victory over Sporting Lagos, while Plateau United defeated Shooting Stars 3-1.
There was also a goalless draw between Ikorodu City and Barau FC, while Nasarawa United and Rivers United shared the points after a 1-1 draw.
The complete Matchday 4 results were:
- Ikorodu City 0-0 Barau FC
- Katsina United 1-0 Niger Tornadoes
- Ranchers Bees 2-1 Bendel Insurance
- Enyimba 0-1 Inter Lagos
- Kano Pillars 4-1 Doma United
- Kun Khalifat FC 2-4 Enugu Rangers
- Nasarawa United 1-1 Rivers United
- Plateau United 3-1 Shooting Stars
- Sporting Lagos FC 0-2 Abia Warriors
- Warri Wolves 1-0 Kwara United
With Matchday 4 now completed, Inter Lagos will hope their breakthrough victory in Aba can provide the foundation for a stronger campaign.