Good morning Guys,
Just before I slept last night, I had penned down two likely things to write about on the blog today. Doing that helps me quickly roll out my thoughts the morning after when I’m here and ready to dish the meal for the day. However waking up this morning, a thought hit me- “We used to be such a happy club, what in the world happened to us?”. And there I made the choice – I’m gonna keep it happy and sweet today.
So i asked a few of our writers here to share what they think is their favorite Enyimba moment.
BigSam:
As someone who has enjoyed many pleasurable Enyimba moments, that night at the Stade Olympique de Sousse against Etoile du Sahel in 2016 caps it for me. With a 3-0 first leg lead, the second leg was supposed to be mere formality, right? Wrong. The scores quickly got leveled by the Tunisians by the 75th minute and extra time brought no winners. Penalties would follow. Despite the intimidating crowd and lasser beams, Magnificent saves from Theophilus Afelokhai saved the day to send us into the Group stages.
Emmanuel Etim:
I’ll rank the team’s first CAF CL win as my favourite moment. Aside from my mom being from Ebem, that win in Egypt was my defining moment as a fan.
The manner in which the win was achieved made it most memorable for me. The North Africans have always been dominant in the tournament, and knowing the edge Ismaily had laying the second leg in front of over twenty thousand fans, meant they had the edge despite losing the first leg in Nigeria.
Then they scored early in the first half, and somehow couldn’t bridge the Enyimba defense and brilliant goalkeeping of Vinny. It was incredible.
Joseph Elchijo:
November 8th, 2003, remains a cherished memory for Enyimba FC. The CAF Champions League semi-final against USM Alger was intense, with the Algerians scoring and Enyimba fans panicking. But the Colombian supporters resilience inspired the team to fight back. The late Michael Ochei’s incredible headed goal sealed a 2-1 win. The atmosphere was electric, with the governor dramatically descending from the state box to the dugout, adding to the tension. It was a nervy, unforgettable encounter.
Chibuzor Amos:
Obinna Nwaneri lifting the CAF Champions League trophy in Abuja. We won 5-3 on penalties after each leg of the final ended 2-1 to the home side. We haven’t won anything on the continent since then.
Nnanna Kalu:
My favorite Enyimba moment is the 2nd leg, Semi Final of the 2003 CAF Champions League against USM Algers of Algeria,for a place in a first ever final.
With the scores even at 1-1 in Aba, 2-2 on aggregate, and penalties looming large. An Igbo christian praise song that goes thus – ” Oruola Jehova, O ruola, Oruola mgbe anyi ga enye gi ekele” , roughly translated – “The time has come Jehovah, The time has come for us to give you Thanks and Praise your name”, started at the colombia section and did spread through the entire stadium.I watched on with goosebumps, as Enyimba earned a corner kick at the death.Hurriedly whipped in to beat time by playmaker Onyekachi Okonkwo, and inexplicably headed in by the least imposing player in the box. Striker Michael Ochei scored with the last contact with the ball to send me and all spectators to rapturous, and Enyimba to the final.
Chinatu Jon:
As a fan of serial winners, picking a happiest moment is tough, but one stands out. It was a fateful Wednesday evening in 2018, Enyimba’s homecoming after years of playing away due to stadium renovations. Facing CARA Brazzaville in the CAF Confederations Cup, the clock ticked down with no breakthrough in sight. In near darkness, the People’s Elephants kept pushing, and in the dying moments, Wasiu Alalade pounced to score the decisive goal. The Enyimba Stadium erupted like never before—a wave of wild jubilation I’ve yet to see matched.
Let’s bring those glorious days back!
Back tomorrow
‘EnyimbaEnyi
