Good morning!
For the second time this season, El Kanemi Warriors have fallen to Enyimba, this time in the President Federation Cup, thanks to a 27th-minute strike from Christian Nnaji. A hard-fought victory, but let’s be honest—we owed them one after that defeat to them in the league following that forgettable trip to Maiduguri at the start of the season. (Yes, we are still talking about that).
This time, the setting was different—Bwari pitch in Abuja, a much better travel arrangement (thankfully, no grueling road trips). Call us the flying Elephants, and you may just be right. It was a much-needed change, given how much our league form has fluctuated, and even though we haven’t been at our best, a cup competition presents a fresh opportunity.
Ahead of the game, El Kanemi’s coach, Aliyu Zubairu, demanded a victory as his Sallah gift. Bold request. But really, who asks for an elephant as a gift? Maybe he underestimated just how difficult it would be to get past this Enyimba side, no matter how inconsistent we’ve been. On the other hand, Eguma had bigger worries—missing players due to injuries and registration rules. His squad was nearly at full strength, but the bench looked anything but confident. Perhaps that’s why the team had to fly—to shorten recovery time and avoid unnecessary fatigue.
The game itself wasn’t particularly spectacular, not easy but one that required some grit and heart, and Christian Nnaji stepped up when it mattered most. He has struggled in front of goal since stepping in for the injured
Ifeanyi Ihemekwele and Brown Ideye, often missing clear-cut chances that should have put games to bed. But a goal like this can do wonders for his confidence, especially with the crucial Abia Derby coming up on Sunday. We will need him, and every other player, at their sharpest.
With this victory, Eguma has now set his sights on the Federation Cup trophy, but so have 15 other teams. It’s five matches to glory, starting with Abakaliki FC. The road to a trophy is never easy, but winning this game means we can at least dream. Now, the focus shifts back to the league and a derby we simply cannot afford to lose.
Back tomorrow as we count down to the Abia Derby this weekend.
EnyimbaEnyi
