Awazie relishes return as Enyimba face Shooting Stars in Ibadan

Ekene Awazie says he is ‘really excited’ to return to action following a long-term injury layoff, as Enyimba face Shooting Stars in Ibadan on Wednesday in a Matchday 20 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clash.

The winger suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury on his knee eight months ago in the last game of the 2024/25 campaign.

The experienced 29-year-old forward is in the Matchday squad to face Shooting Stars in Ibadan on Wednesday, having returned to the team as an unused substitute in the reverse fixture last month.

“Firstly, I will say ‘thank God,’ it has not been easy being out for several months, and returning to join the team, I’m really excited to be part of the squad once again,” he said.

Looking at the encounter against Shooting Stars, Awazie, who previously featured for now defunct FC IfeanyiUbah, noted it would be a tough tie, but remains optimistic the People’s Elephant have what it takes to get a positive result.

“On our team’s readiness against Shooting Stars, honestly, it’s not going to be an easy game but with our effort and hardwork, I know it would be possible for us to go back to Aba with a good result, which I’m so positive about,” he added.

“We’ve trained hard for this. We’ve worked so hard throughout the week, throughout the holidays for this match, and we want to begin this year on a bright note. I trust my team, and I know what we want.

“The fans should expect nothing less than a point in this game. And I believe the second stanza will be a great one for us. They should expect good results from us at home and away this season.”

Awazie also disclosed that the 2-time African champions are still focused on returning to the continent, while calling on the fans to keep supporting the team.

“We want to get back to the continental stage,” he stated.

“We’ll give them (the fans) what they want from us, and we also need their support as always to do better.”