Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof. Ecclessiates 7:8
As i sit here putting my thoughts together as we start a review of the season, I’m wondering just how relatable, that scripture is to Enyimba’s 2024/2025 Season. Are we at a better place right now, than back in August when the season started?
We had great hopes for the season especially seeing that the club had handed the reins to Rookie Coach Yema Olarenwaju. On the first day of the season, we went to Owerri and beat Heartland. We outplayed, outfought and outscored them. It was so easy and laudable and felt like that was the path the season would take.
But the story of our season isnt lost on anyone. We finished. Safely away from any laurels – not even the Abia State FA Cup. This season was in many ways than one, a disaster. So as I sit here about to kickoff what is the first of many reviews of the teams performance this season and I need some drive.
Someone asked me to describe this season in one word. I think that word is “Fire-Brigade”. The term “Fire-Brigade” exemplifies the disorganized approach that plagued our campaign, leading to a series of mishaps that undermined our early promise.
This season, was marked by a lack of strategic foresight and poor logistical planning, epitomized by the chaotic Maputo debacle. After a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Black Bulls, we found ourselves stranded in Maputo, Mozambique, due to woefully inadequate travel arrangements. Some players arrived at the airport just 45 minutes before kickoff, and two substitutes only reached the stadium by halftime, highlighting the disarray.
Post-match, the team was confined to their hotel, uncertain about departure plans and reportedly without estacode (travel allowances), leaving them financially unsupported during the delay.
This incident, not only disrupted our schedule, forcing the postponement of an NPFL match against Nasarawa United. It also exposed the club’s logistical shortcomings, contributing to their failure to advance in the CAF Confederation Cup and their mid-table NPFL finish.
Another glaring example of Enyimba’s “Fire-Brigade” approach was that infamous grueling three-day road trip to Maiduguri for a league clash against El Kanemi Warriors earlier in the season. The team endured a harrowing journey, sleeping on the road for three days, which predictably culminated in a defeat.
Then came the Eguma signing. Results improved albeit temporarily but before long, we returned to status quo. Ultimately we saw the rest of the season play out in the most uninspiring fashion. Even Abia Warriors finished above us for the first time ever.
The season ends with more questions than answers. And in the next few weeks we will attempt to review it in detail focusing on players and management and hopefully try to make sense of it all. Meanwhile there’s a recording we made few hours ago that I will introduce to you tomorrow.
So, see you at sunrise.
‘EnyimbaEnyi
