What a way to start the year at home!
After a painfully long drought of over two months, Enyimba finally reminded us what victory tastes like on the domestic front. Yesterday, we claimed our first NPFL win since that narrow 2-1 triumph over Ikorodu City back in October. This time, it happened at home, in front of the ever-passionate Aba faithful, and boy, did it feel good!
For this sweet victory, Coach Stanley Eguma rolled out a lineup that balanced experience and hunger. Ani Ozoemena kept goal, with Zalli Abdullahi warming the bench as his understudy. Divine Ukadike and Uwana Asuquo were tasked with locking down the flanks, while our skipper, Somiari Alalibo, paired with Okechukwu Chikamso at the heart of defense. Innocent Gabriel, Elijah Akanni, and Kalu Nweke bossed the midfield, while Ifeanyi Ihemekwele led the attack, flanked by the ever-dangerous Joseph Atule and Ekene Awazie.
The Solid Miners arrived cautious, knowing they were up against the Elephants of Aba. We started brighter, creating a flurry of chances. Nasarawa United’s Anas Yusuf nearly punished us after a rare defensive slip, but his looping header grazed wide with Ozoemena already beaten. At the other end, our forwards took turns testing the waters, only to be let down by wayward finishing—until Joseph Atule stepped up. Just before the halftime whistle, he delivered the breakthrough we desperately needed, giving the fans a reason to cheer.
The second half saw a spirited response from Nasarawa United. They pressed for an equalizer, showing more grit than caution this time. And just when we thought we were settling into a rhythm, they stunned us with a goal of their own, leveling the scoreline and silencing the stands. Enter Brown Ideye for Awazie.
Barely on the pitch, our marquee signing made his presence felt. Atule, the livewire these days, drew the defenders and goalkeeper to him during a swift counterattack, leaving Ideye with the simplest of tasks—tapping into an empty net. Talk about making an impact!
Eguma rang the changes to tighten things up, with Fatail Abdullahi and Bernard Ovoke coming on to keep the Miners at bay. Despite both sides pushing for more, the scoreline remained 2-1 until the final whistle. And oh, what a celebration it sparked! The supporters’ club erupted, marching to the dressing room in jubilant song. Scenes like this remind us why we love this team.
With this win, we’re back in business and up 2 places to 7th with 2 more outstanding matches albeit away from home. But the job’s far from done. Up next is a must-win clash against Al Masry in Uyo. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and we need to carry this momentum forward.
So, let’s keep the spirit high and the wins coming.
