Enyimba FC continued preparation for the 2024/2025 season with a comfortable 3-0 victory over in an entertaining friendly game at the Enyimba Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
It was an avenue for Yemi Olanrewaju to test his tactics and also mentally prepare his boys for the TICO SELECT Preseason Tournament in Abakiliki which begins on August 23.
The People’s Elephants gained early possession and had early chances but had to wait longer before Chinedu Ufere opened scoring after receiving a fine pass from Clinton Jephtah. The visitors who then miss a penalty and that proved costly as Enyimba doubled their lead moments later through Alade Balogun and another assist from Jephtah. Ismael Sarki would score the third goal.
Yemi started a strong side which included; Imoh Obot, Joseph Atule, Fatai Abdullahi, Chidera Eze, Somiari Alalibo, Elijah Akanni, Chinedu Ufere, Alade Balogun and Clinton Jephtah. Imoh Obot later gave way for Divine Ukadike while Nwaodu, Ekene Awazie, Odinaka Francis also had game time.
Tactically, Alade Balogun led the line and flanked on both sides by Clinton Jephtah and Joseph Atule. While Jephtah got two assists playing from the left wing, Atule could not get a goal or assist despite getting the ball in choice positions.
Fatai Abdullahi, who makes a return to the club sat on the base of midfield, dictating play while Elijah Akanni and Ufere had free roles. Akanni saw most of the ball among the midfielders because of his ball carrying abilities so he was everywhere on the pitch and at times, just behind the strikers, trying to find a way around the low block of the opponents.
Clinton Jephtah who arrived from Niger Tornadoes could be a breakout star for Enyimba this season. The winger was doing his basic duties on the left wing, helping the team to keep attack in shape and provided width when counter attacking. It is little wonder that he got two assists on the day.
Pascal Eze later paired with Alalibo in central defence, while Odinaka Francis played from midfield. During the season, Odinaka could play as a centre back if need be. Wasiu Jimoh who returned from Zambia to join the Elephants got dressed but did not taste action.
The team will leave Aba to Abakiliki on Thursday for the TICO SELECT Preseason Tournament.
