Match Preview: Bottom-placed Enyimba looks to turn tide around with win over Promise Keepers
UYO (Made In Africa Sport) – Enyimba International is set to host Akwa United at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba in matchday three as they seek their first victory in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) this season.
The Finidi George-led side suffered a 2-0 defeat against Gombe United on NPFL Matchday two, and their Matchday one encounter against Bendel Insurance was postponed due to continental duties.
Akwa United’s head coach, Fatai Osho, has emphasized that the clash against Enyimba will be treated like any regular NPFL game as they aim to secure three crucial points in Aba.
Just like Enyimba, the Promise Keepers are also eager to secure their first NPFL win this season, having gone two NPFL matches without victory, with a 5-3 defeat against Bayelsa United and a hard-fought goalless draw against the Sporting Lagos.
Reactions
After the home draw against the Tech Boys of Lagos, Fatai Osho stated during the post-match conference that they are fully focused on this game against Enyimba and won’t be swayed by their reputation in Nigerian football.
“We won’t be looking at the name Enyimba, we will have to look at what we can do against them,” the coach affirmed.
As the highly-anticipated encounter draws near, Osho is confident about clinching all three points against his former club. He emphasized that they won’t go easy on the Aba elephants and are prepared to fight until the end.
“Sunday will present us with another opportunity to go for our first win of the season. We have worked hard, and we believe in our ability as a team that we can take on any club in the league. Enyimba is a big team, they are the defending champions, but we will not be looking at the name Enyimba; instead, we will be concentrating on what we can get out of the game, and we are determined to fight for the maximum points.”
The People’s Elephant will be without their head coach, Finidi George, who is away on national duty with the Super Eagles. His assistant, Olanrewaju “Yema” Yemi Daniel, will take charge of the team in his absence.
Speaking to the media ahead of the game, Yema admitted that it will not be an easy match as Akwa United are still searching for their first win of the season. However, he promised that the team will not disappoint the fans and the management of the club.
“We know Akwa United, they are hunting for points just like we too,” Yema said. “It’s not going to be an easy game, but we will not disappoint ourselves, the fans and the club. We will make sure we pick up all three points.”
Yema emphasized that the team’s philosophy remained unchanged, with their primary goal being to win, saying, “There is nothing that has changed because we are still playing the same philosophy. We are still playing the philosophy of Finidi George, the same training program, and everything we are doing. He is aware of it, and I don’t think much has changed.”
Enyimba vice-captain, Somiari Alalibo, also shared the same sentiments with his coach. He said that the match will not be easy, but that the team is focused on getting a victory.
“The match against Akwa United is not going to be an easy game because we played them in the pre-season,” Alalibo said. “We have really put in a lot of work this week after a disappointing weekend and we understand what it means to play for Enyimba and to defend the badge of the team.”
Alalibo also called on the fans to come out in their numbers to support the team.
“We are calling on our supporters to come and support us and cheer us to victory,” Alalibo said.
Head-to-Head
In their last two consecutive meetings last season, Akwa United didn’t lose. They played to a draw in Aba and defeated Enyimba in Uyo. The Promise Keepers have won two matches out of six consecutive meetings with the Aba elephants, while Enyimba managed just one win and three draws.
Player to Watch
As the top NPFL teams battle it out for points on Sunday, one player who has consistently shone since the start of the 2023/24 NPFL season is Oguntayo Seyi. Seyi displayed brilliance for Akwa United in their away fixture against Bayelsa United, scoring two goals. However, his efforts couldn’t secure a victory as they lost 5-3. In the home fixture against Sporting Lagos, Seyi made impressive attempts at goal, earning him the title of Made in Africa’s Player of the Match.
