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Match Report: Goals reign in Aba as Enyimba returns to winning ways

It was an entertaining spectacle at the Enyimba International stadium as league champions, Enyimba, secured a 3-2 victory over Akwa United in the fiercely contested Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday three encounter.

How it happened

The game started with Enyimba showing energy and determination from the very beginning. Chiediebere Nnachi’s early free-kick signalled that Akwa United was in for a tough challenge.

Enyimba dominated the first 10 minutes of the game and were rewarded with a goal in the 12th minute when Gabriel Innocent’s long-range strike beat Akwa United’s goalkeeper, Badmos Nurudeen, putting Enyimba in the lead.

In the span of two minutes, Enyimba struck again as Joseph Atule’s misplaced pass found Chijioke Mbaoma in an unmarked position. Mbaoma unleashed a powerful long-range shot that the keeper couldn’t save, making it 2-0 for Enyimba in the 14th minute.

The second goal stung Akwa United, prompting the coach to turn to his substitutes. Oddi Bobo was replaced by Osobar Kabir in the 33rd minute. The substitution paid off when Kufre Ebong pulled one back for Akwa United with Dare Ojo’s direct free-kick, taking advantage of Enyimba’s goalkeeper Bassa Djeri’s misjudgment. The score was reduced to 2-1 in the first 45 minutes.

In the second half, Akwa United came out strongly, with more ball possession and a quest for an equaliser. Their efforts were rewarded in the 64th minute through David Philip’s direct free-kick.

However, Enyimba responded swiftly, reclaiming the lead in the 67th minute with a free-kick just outside the 18-yard box. Enyimba’s captain for the day, Somilari Alaribo, converted the free-kick to put Enyimba back in front.

Akwa United made every effort to secure a third equaliser, but Enyimba’s defense held strong, denying them a point in Aba.

Statistics

Reaction

Akwa United coach, Fatai Osho, expressed disappointment after the game, stating, “We are very, very disappointed. I strongly believe we deserved something from this game.”

He discussed their initial struggles and tactical adjustments, saying, “We started on a very bad note and we tried to stop the threat from Enyimba, but it didn’t work. We played with a 3-back line with our wingbacks pushing them out, but it didn’t work out.”

Osho also acknowledged the team’s chemistry and praised the players’ performance, mentioning the expected goals. He addressed their energy level drop in the second half and their commitment to improving.

“We are paid to get points for the fans,” he said. “If they are worried, they deserve to be worried. The joy they deserve from the team is when the team wins, and we are not doing that.”

“We have to work hard to make them happy. By winning the next game, no team has outplayed us, and I’m proud of my boys.”

Enyimba Assistant coach, Olanrewaju Yemi Daniel, expressed confidence in the team’s young players, drawing parallels to Messi and Iniesta’s debuts at a young age.

“We believe in the young boys even Messi, Iniesta made their debut at a very young age.”

He emphasized Enyimba’s winning mentality and readiness for the upcoming African Super League match against Wydad.

“We are Enyimba, and we believe in winning,” Yemi said. “Against Wydad next Sunday, we are all going to go after them, and this victory is very important to us. The confidence of the boys is high, and we are ready.”

He also mentioned concerns about conceding goals from set pieces and the need for improvement in various aspects of the game.

“We are concerned that our team concedes goals, especially from set pieces. We practice all week on set pieces because we hardly concede in open play due to how we are set up.”

“I think we need to improve on that; our players, keepers, everybody has to do their job. But things will get better without mistakes; you can’t concede.”

Man of the match

Joseph Atule

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