Good morning, Enyimba faithful!

Let’s talk about royalty—not the kind that wears a crown and sits on a throne, but the kind that rules the pitch with skill, grit, and flair. Enyimba’s very own Eze Happy Ekwutoziem, affectionately known as Pinto, is football royalty in his own right. With every stride and touch, he reminds us why he’s one of the crown jewels of this team.

But first, let’s wind the clock back. Pinto didn’t start out as the midfield maestro we know today. He arrived from Delta Force as a winger, a relatively unknown name. Back then, a friend of mine wouldn’t stop raving about him. “Eze Pinto this, Eze Pinto that,” he’d say, until I almost begged him to stop. My skeptical response? “If he’s that good, the coaches will play him.”

Fast forward to today, and boy, was my friend onto something! But here’s the twist: Pinto isn’t dazzling us on the wings like Stanley Dimgba or Anayo Iwuala once did. No, he’s transformed into a central midfield juggernaut, a player who dominates with athleticism, vision, and versatility. On his best days, he’s unplayable—a midfield force who leaves opponents in the dust and fans in awe.

Of course, every king has his off days. When Pinto’s not in the groove, the whole team feels the drag. His influence is that massive. He’s the type of player you’d trust anywhere on the pitch—attack, midfield, defense (and maybe even between the sticks, though we haven’t seen that yet). That kind of versatility is priceless.

But with great power comes great responsibility—or in this case, great fatigue. Since his return from trials in Europe, Pinto has played nearly every game. And while stars like Rodri, Salah, or Bruno Fernandes thrive on constant action, let’s not forget the stark differences between the NPFL and Europe. Our long road trips and grueling schedules take a toll. Pinto’s been soldiering on, but every soldier needs a break to stay sharp for battle.

That’s why a little rest might be just what the doctor would have desired. Continental games are looming, and we need Pinto at his absolute peak. If Yema decides to give him a breather, it’s not weakness—it could be strategy. On the other hand, if Pinto must carry on, let’s hope his superhuman endurance doesn’t falter.

Now, all eyes turn to the Abia Derby. The stakes are high, the rivalries are fierce, and Pinto will undoubtedly have a role to play. We’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of that clash tomorrow, but for now, let’s appreciate the king who has ruled our midfield with such majesty.

Enyimba Enyi!