“Every game’s a final” — Gozie Umeh

With just six crucial games left to the end of the season, Gozie Umeh insists that the Enyimba are aiming for nothing less than a top-three finish and a continental ticket.

Fresh off a pulsating Abia derby victory over local rivals Abia Warriors in Aba, Umeh believes the People’s Elephant have the hunger, grit, and mentality to finish the season strong.

The 2-1 win over Warriors not only reignited the club’s campaign but has injected belief into the squad as they gear up for the season’s home stretch.

“It was a great feeling playing the Abia derby game against a very good and determined Abia Warriors,” Umeh said passionately. “We knew how tough it was going to be and how a derby goes, so we had to put the right attitude.”

Now, the focus shifts to Match-day 33 this Sunday, as Enyimba travel to the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode to face Sunshine Stars — a fixture that holds a special place in Umeh’s heart. The pony-tailed, hard-tackling enforcer is set to return to familiar ground, where he once wore the colours of the Akure Gunners.

“It’s a good feeling coming back to a ground where I have good friends and the coaches I worked with in the first round,” Umeh admitted. “It won’t be an easy game, but I’m now with Enyimba and we are determined to win the maximum points on Sunday.”

This weekend’s clash also carries historic weight — it marks the 34th meeting between the two sides, with Enyimba having the upper hand: 17 wins to Sunshine’s 8, while 8 matches ended in a draw. The reverse fixture in Aba ended goalless, and last season’s tie in Akure was a tense 1-1 draw with Chidiebere Nnachi grabbing the equalizer for the Aba giants. But Sunday promises a different script.

Umeh is not just focused on personal sentiment; he’s rather locked in on the bigger mission — dragging Enyimba over the line and into continental football next season.

“With just six games to go and 18 points to grab, we are optimistic to go all the way. We’re taking each game one at a time. I’m optimistic we can do it and grab a continental ticket.”

The NPFL’s recent push to televise more matches also earned Umeh’s praise, especially after the nationwide buzz created by the Abia derby.

“I commend NPFL for making the derby live — it helped advertise the league. I wish we get more of our games live on TV, it’s good for Nigerian football.”