TEN TAKEAWAYS FROM THE ENYIMBA-AKWA MATCH

Owoidoho Udofia was at the stadium to watch Wednesday’s clash against Akwa United and made key observations from the fixture:

1. The players of both teams had an unfavorable scoreline in their previous game. It was a match of redemption or deep fall and this was observable in their respective approaches.

2. Another football story of “a game of two halves”. Enyimba’s first half dominance created chances but produced a single goal. Akwa’s second half resurrection didn’t count for a second lifetime.

3. Glowing performances from players of both sides ensured the game lived up to its billing. Imoh Obot and Philip Ozor did ignite quick attacks that kept Ubong Friday and Seth Mayi at bay.

4. The scoreline would have been wider had the attackers taken their chances at both ends. Enyimba will rue the loss of many more chances thrown in the wind.

5. Once again, Ozor’s trunk truncated any danger in and around his team’s half. Arguably he was the most stand out player on the pitch.

6. Typical of a rivalry, it had all the fiery competition. The visitors had a large pool of observers and supporters. In addition to an increased presence of Enyimba’s support base. 

7. As usual, coaches Finidi George and Kennedy Boboye had mixed feelings about the outcome of the game. They were satisfied with their players’ approach and performance. Interestingly, they felt they deserved much more.

8. There were more players who needed medical attention on the pitch in the course of the game compared to previous home games this season, suggesting how heatedly contested it was.

9. There was a strict adherence to the sitting arrangements in the stadium before the commencement of the tie. Stadium officials ensured fans sat according to the sections on their tickets.

10. As it has become a norm, the visiting Akwa United returned to Uyo the same evening. The geographical proximity to Aba is a major factor.