NWEKE REFLECTS ON ENYIMBA’S STALEMATE WITH RIVERS UNITED
Midfield maestro Kalu Nweke has bemoaned Enyimba’s goalless draw against Rivers United in a crucial Matchday 7 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) tie decided in Aba on Sunday.
The much-talked about encounter, that saw Enyimba coach Stanley Eguma and his opposite number from Rivers United Finidi George face their former sides, failed to produce a goal as both teams kept their unbeaten runs this season intact.
The 2-time African champions had a big penalty appeal in the 40th minute after a Rivers United player handled the ball inside the box, but the referee ignored the call.
Three minutes later, winger Stanley Dimgba slotted home a beautiful pass from Joel Ezra, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
Though the People’s Elephant dominated large spells of the fixture on a wet Enyimba International stadium turf, with Nweke orchestrating proceedings from the midfield, the 30-year-old former Rangers and Abia Warriors star was left disappointed with the outcome.
“Firstly, I thank God because despite the high intensity of the game, no one sustained injury,” he told Enyimbafc.net after the match.
“It was a highly intense match, and our opponents – Rivers United, are a good side. We knew it wasn’t going to be an easy match for us. But I believe we gave it all.
“We were supposed to win the game, but unfortunately we didn’t. Maybe, that’s how God wants it.”
Asked what went wrong for Enyimba in the clash, the veteran midfielder said: “Well, I can’t say. We played according to the coach’s instructions. We did our best. Like I said earlier, we gave it all.
“We even had a goal and the referee disallowed it. She has the final decision; we can’t do anything about it. We had a penalty appeal which she didn’t award. That’s football for you.”
With the draw, record 9-time NPFL champions Enyimba remain second on the standings, with 13 points from 7 matches, three points behind table-toppers Nasarawa United.
Enyimba will next face newly-promoted Kun Khalifat on Sunday in Aba – the adopted home of the Owerri-based team.