Good morning!
Just before we wrap things up for the season with a home tie against Plateau United — a match that carries more pride than points and maybe a teaser for what’s to come — let’s take a moment to revisit one more gem from our Best of the Season series.
We were kings of derby day this term. I had the pleasure of witnessing all but one, and while that Matchday One win at the Dan Anyiam Stadium against our noisy neighbours from Owerri was memorable, my personal highlight? That ruthless road win over Enugu Rangers.
Yes, that one.
Now, flashback to last season’s encounter at the same venue — arguably our best showing until it ended with a whimper and all those unfortunate incidents that followed. This time around? A completely different vibe. The stands, usually buzzing by 3pm, were barely dotted with fans. Our supporters’ club even gave it a miss — reasons best known to them.
But on the pitch? Fire!
We delivered arguably our best first-half performance of the season, one that outshone even the most dominant of 90-minute displays. From the sixth minute, we showed intent — a Quadri stinger set the tone. A few minutes later, a sweetly struck Innocent Gabriel freekick opened the scoring. The man was on a mission that day — if he saw a glimpse of goal, he pulled the trigger.
Then came the second — Quadri, again at the heart of things, cut through the Rangers defence like a seasoned butcher, finding Ekene Awazie, who made no mistake with a cheeky lob over the keeper. 2-0. Just 26 minutes in.
At that point, even the Enugu faithful couldn’t help but applaud. The Cathedral, for once, echoed with reluctant respect.
Though we didn’t add to the scoreline, the statement had been made. Kalu Nweke, returning to face his old side, was composed and commanding. Our midfield trio of Kalu, Quadri, and Ufere were everywhere — pressing, intercepting, dictating play. Rangers couldn’t complete five-yard passes; the pressure was simply relentless.
It took Ilechukwu’s halftime talk and a few tweaks to get Rangers back in the game, but by then, the damage was done. That first 45? Sensational.
And just maybe — just maybe — we’ve figured out how to silence Rangers in Enugu. From now on, any match we play there will be measured against the high bar set by this season’s first-half masterclass (and last season’s promise before it unraveled).
Back tomorrow with our final match preview of the season.
Enyimba Enyi!
