The NPFL at halfway mark: Enyimba’s tale of the tape

It’s been a breathtaking first stanza in the 2020/2021 Nigerian Professional Football League season. The season hasn’t fallen short in terms of shockers, surprise packages, incredible numbers, and most especially fans’ excitement with the league back on TV.

 A quick look at the numbers show a total of 185 games have been played as the league got to its halfway mark on matchday 19. There were a total of 140 home wins, 45 draws, and 18 away victories.

A total of 373 goals were scored in 185 matches, an average of 2 goals per game.

A total of 50 penalties were awarded after matchday 19; with 44 duly converted and 6 missed.

In terms of disciplinary records, a total of 689 yellows and 31 red cards were shown. 

Albiet Enyimba FC has played 15 games in the league at halfway mark; we”ll take a look at the stats and facts of the 8-time league champions in the league.

HOME FORM

Enyimba FC have been formidable at home this term, holding the joint second best record on home turf only behind Rivers United who have won all 8 matches at home.

The Aba landlords have won six of their seven matches at the Enyimba International Stadium, with the only blemish coming  against Akwa United in a 1-1 draw.

The home form has seen Enyimba FC grab 19 points from seven home matches (P7, W6, D1, L0).

AWAY FORM

Enyimba FC have been quite impressive on the road so far this season, the Fatai Osho-tutored side has the second best record in the league away from home.

The  People’s Elephant has won the joint most games away (3) in their eight games on the road, claiming 11 points (W3, D2, L3). Only Kwara United have picked more points away from home (12) than Enyimba FC (11).

GOALSCORING/DEFENSIVE RECORD

Enyimba FC have scored a total of 15 goals this season – half the tally of top scorers Abia Warriors who have netted 30 times.

Enyimba FC places ninth best in the league with the tally of 15 goals scored.

While the 9 goals scored at home only betters Jigawa Golden Stars, Adamawa United, and FC Ifeanyi United; Enyimba FC is joint fourth in the league with goals scored away from home (6).

Defensively the Elephants have been the best and meanest defence in the league, conceding just ten goals at halfway mark.

MARKSMAN

Ten different players have put their names on the scoresheet this season, thus distributing the goalscoring responsibilities all around the pitch.

However, former Plateau United marksman Tosin Omoyele is the team’s leading scorer, netting four times for the People’s Elephant, with all four goals scored at the Elephant Park in Aba.

DISCIPLINARY RECORD

Enyimba FC has been modest this season. The eight-time league champions have maintained a high level of dsicipline.

A total of 29 yellow cards have been received by the team which accounts for 4% of the total yellow cards  awarded at halfway mark. The team has also received just one red card in 15 league matches.

It’s been very tight in the upper half of the table with Enyimba FC placed fifth on the log with 30 points, although the two-time CAF Champions League winners have five outstanding games.

The league is currently on mid-season break and we certainly can’t wait for action to make a return.