Good day, Aba and beyond!
Aba’s Mondays can feel deserted, and when combined with the post-holiday calm, the result is a stark contrast to the city’s usual vibrant buzz. Most people are either catching up on rest or, like me, replaying Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Al Masry in their heads. That game wasn’t just football; it was a metaphor for missed opportunities. But Tuesdays? Definitely different and also another chance to succeed.
Let’s face it: that draw wasn’t nearly enough. If a win would’ve made our qualification chances reminiscent of a hike up Milliken Hill, Sunday’s result turns the task into scaling Mt. Everest—without oxygen. Yes, it’s been done before, and that’s why I believe anything is possible. But let’s not sugarcoat it—our chances of progression are closer to zero than one.
Still, every setback is a chance to hit reset. Our Enyimba is looking more and more like a shadow of its glorious self, and it’s time for some tough love. This isn’t just about failing to beat Al Masry. The last time we managed a victory over an Egyptian side was nearly a decade ago against Smouha, and even then, we lost the reverse fixture. So when Eguma walked out of this match brimming with optimism ahead of our trip to Cairo on Sunday, you couldn’t help but wonder if he’d been watching the same Enyimba as the rest of us.
If Enyimba is to rise again, it starts with recruitment. The transfer window is wide open, and we have a chance to rebuild. This isn’t the time to window shop like kids in a candy store; we need to focus on quality. Yes, the current NPFL crop might not be dripping with world-class talent, but there are still diamonds in the rough. With a decent budget, we can make smart, impactful signings that’ll bring the fire back to this team.
Take Brown Ideye, for instance. A brilliant signing on paper, but he’s still a little off full match fitness. He’s been coming on for 30 minutes every game, and while it’s great to see him donning the blue of Enyimba, I think it’s time to tweak his role. Let’s be honest—at the moment, he’s yet to bed into the team perfectly. We need to make the most of what he currently offers while making sure we don’t strain our star especially when every game feels like a rescue mission.
Another piece of the revival puzzle is player welfare. Happy players deliver results, plain and simple. If we want them to bleed for this badge, let’s make sure they’re not bleeding financially off the pitch. Payables need to be up to date—no excuses. When players know their hard work translates into timely bank alerts, you’ll see the kind of commitment that wins trophies.
Finally, let’s talk about the yes-men. Every club has them—those who sugarcoat every failure and cheer even when there’s nothing to cheer about. Real fans and supporters tell you the truth, no matter how hard it is to hear. It’s not about tearing the club down; it’s about holding it to the high standard we all know it can meet. Leaders come and go—Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu left after years of stellar service, and one day, Kanu Nwankwo will leave too. But the club will remain.
So, here’s my message to everyone who loves Enyimba: criticism isn’t the enemy; complacency is. You have no business at Enyimba if your sights are only on what Enyimba can do for your pockets.
It’s a long climb, but Mt. Everest isn’t impossible. With the right steps, who says we can’t get there?
Back tomorrow,
Enyimba Enyi!
criticism isn’t the enemy; complacency is.