Injured But Unbroken Ihemekwele Rallies Enyimba For Federation Cup Glory

Even from the sidelines, Ifeanyi Ihemekwele’s presence looms large.

The bullish Enyimba FC forward, fondly called “Efi” by fans and teammates, may be out nursing an injury, but his voice rings loud ahead of a crucial Federation Cup round of 16 showdown against Abakaliki FC at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

Ihemekwele, who suffered the setback during the state final of the same competition, has thrown his full support behind his teammates, urging them to fight tooth and nail for victory as the People’s Elephant look to march back into continental reckoning.

“Yeah, I feel good recovering from the surgery which was successful,” Efi told Enyimba Media. “I thank the Chairman, the management, my colleagues, and the supporters. I believe very soon I will be back.”

Though forced to watch from the stands, Ihemekwele’s belief in the team remains unshaken.

“It hasn’t really been an easy season for us, we’ve been traveling a lot and you could see it,” he said. “But I believe in my teammates, I believe they can do it — bring back the glory starting with Abakaliki FC. I wish them well.”

The striker sees the Federation Cup not just as a chance for silverware, but as Enyimba’s golden ticket back to the continental stage.

“My desire is for us to win the Federation Cup. We are winning — it’s coming home. It’s very important to us because we need to get back to the continent and remain in the limelight. I trust my colleagues can go all the way.”

With Ihemekwele sidelined, Coach Stanley Eguma has been ringing changes. Atule Joseph, Christian Nnaji, Ekene Awazie, and ex-Super Eagles Striker, Brown Ideye are among the legs called up to face the NNL side, as Enyimba look to keep their cup dreams alive and kicking.

As kickoff draws near, Enyimba fans can take comfort in knowing their warrior, though wounded, is already charging up the troops for battle — with eyes set firmly on the cup and a return to African football nights.