Enyimba Peep Pillars As Eguma Vows Relentless Push For League Finish
Enyimba FC bounced back to winning ways with a commanding 2-1 victory over Kano Pillars at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba on Saturday, as Coach Stanley Eguma vowed that the People’s Elephant would fight till the final whistle of the NPFL season.
Goals from the electric Joseph Atule in the 34th minute and a classy finish from veteran striker Brown Ideye in the 48th minute ensured that Enyimba tamed the Sai Masu Gida despite a late penalty rebound goal from the visitors after a brilliant spot kick save by Ani Ozoemena.
Speaking after the hard-fought win, Coach Eguma praised his side’s resilience but rued the raft of missed chances and injury woes that plagued his attackers.
“It was a tough game for us,” Eguma admitted. “Kano Pillars came and proved why they are one of the strong teams in the league. We missed a lot of scoring chances, and the score line could have been much wider if we had been more clinical. Injuries also limited us today, but the important thing is we got the three points.”
With the victory taking Enyimba further up on the log at the 7th position with 49 points, Eguma emphasized that his team would not relent.
“The league is a marathon,” he declared. “We have to keep picking points here and there. You don’t know what may happen tomorrow. Every game is a final now, and we must stay focused until the very end.”
The match also witnessed a special moment for former Super Eagles forward Brown Ideye, who rolled back the years with a sterling performance that earned him the Man of the Match award, alongside a N150,000 NBL-sponsored prize cheque presented by Enyimba Board Member and Nigerian football legend Uche Okechukwu and Sporting Director Ifeanyi Ekwueme.
Beaming with pride, Ideye dedicated the award to his teammates and his family, who cheered him on from the stands.
“First, I have to thank God for this opportunity,” Ideye said. “It was a total team effort. Without the team, individual brilliance doesn’t count. I am very happy to have my family here today; they are my biggest motivation. Seeing them in the stands gave me that extra push to give my best.”
Reflecting on the broader significance of the win, Ideye added, “The victory is very important. Our fans have been waiting for a convincing home win, and we’re glad to deliver that today. Now, we must stay focused and keep fighting to finish the season strong.”
Enyimba’s quest for a strong league finish continues with a mouth-watering Oriental Derby clash against The Antelopes’, Enugu Rangers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday, April 27.