Enyimba FC failed to secure a win against relegation-threatened Sunshine Stars in a rescheduled Matchday 13 encounter at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba. The record Nigerian league champions, coming off an impressive draw against Zamalek over the weekend, fielded a slightly rotated squad for the game.
Coach Yema Olarenwaju handed goalkeeper Nathaniel Asibe a start in place of Ani Ozoemena, who was in the CHAN Eagles camp. Pascal Eze paired with Innocent Gabriel in central defense, flanked by Francis Odinaka and Divine Ukadike. Kalu Nweke, Daniel Daga, and Chinedu Ufere anchored the midfield, while Austin Onyemaechi, Ifeanyi Ihemekwele, and Ekene Awazie led the attack.
Enyimba struggled from the start, showing signs of fatigue and rustiness. Sunshine Stars almost took the lead in the third minute when Asibe tipped Chinedu Nwosu’s shot over the bar. Enyimba responded with Ihemekwele hitting the post after a neat attacking move, but chances were few and far between. Sunshine Stars took control midway through the half, forcing Asibe into several saves to keep the scores level.
The second half saw early changes from Enyimba, with Joseph Atule, Fatai Abdullahi, and Christian Nnaji coming on to inject energy into the team. Nnaji and Atule sparked some promising moves, but Sunshine Stars remained resolute. Enyimba twice had the ball in the net, but both goals were ruled out for offside, leaving the home side frustrated.
As the game wore on, Enyimba introduced more attacking options, including Ismail Sariki and Alade Balogun, but Sunshine Stars held firm. The visitors maintained their discipline and organization, frustrating Enyimba’s attempts to break through. Despite late pressure from the home side, the final ball consistently let them down.
Sunshine Stars, content with the draw, managed the closing stages effectively, with their goalkeeper booked for time-wasting. At the final whistle, the visitors celebrated a hard-fought point, while Enyimba’s winless league run extended to six games.
Enyimba, now seventh in the NPFL with 22 points, will shift focus to their CAF Confederations Cup campaign as they face Black Bulls of Mozambique in Matchday 3 on Sunday.
