Good morning!
The Nigeria Premier Football League is back, and for the first time in a while, we’re playing on a Wednesday. Hopefully, we’ll actually be on TV this time—unlike that awkward blackout when Finidi and Rivers United came to town.
Today, it’s Shooting Stars vs. Enyimba—a clash with an extra layer of spice. Gbenga Ogunbote, our former gaffer, leads the charge for 2nd-placed Shooting Stars—the same man who guided us to the CAF Confederation Cup while we were wandering in Calabar exile. He’s built a side that’s been flying high—well, high enough until they looked up and saw Remo Stars sitting 10 points above them.
For us, a win is non-negotiable. Back-to-back defeats to Katsina United and Ahudiyannem FC have made our victory over Rivers United feel like something from another lifetime. The sight of our supporters club drumming at the dressing room entrance after every home win is beginning to make home wins look like a rare, almost mythical event. All we want is for our club to win, win, and win again—no matter what.
But we’re dealing with an injury crisis. Out today? Asibe, Asuquo, Obot, Ihemekwele, Ekwutoziem, Nweke, Chikamso, and newly signed Odufeso. Also missing is Clinton Jephtha, currently in Ivory Coast with the U20 national team. Despite all that, Eguma still has plenty of players to pick from—our squad is big enough, even if it doesn’t always look like it.
Now for some good news—Shooting Stars have never picked a point in Aba since March 1, 2017. In the past 15 years, they’ve been leaving Aba with nothing but memories and regrets. We’ve also been unbeaten in our last five meetings, winning three and drawing two. Normally, this should be a straightforward fixture, but our current league form (2 wins, 1 draw, 4 losses) suggests otherwise—especially when compared to Shooting’s 4 wins, 2 draws, and 2 defeats.
Still, it’s all to play for. Vice-captain Pascal Eze had this to say to the club media team ahead of the game:
“Our attention is now on the league game against 3SC, and we don’t have a choice but to get the job done to compensate for Sunday’s disappointment. I wish to plead with the fans to believe in us and not lose hope because we are more determined than ever to put smiles back on their faces again.“
Kickoff is at 3 PM.
Hopefully, we’ll be smiling again by full-time.
Back tomorrow.
Enyimba Enyi!
