Good Day, Enyimba Faithful!
Writing after a defeat feels like licking your wounds with salt—it stings. No true fan relishes the morning after, especially when it’s been a while since we last felt the sting of a domestic loss. But here we are, reflecting on a 2-0 defeat to Kano Pillars in the Zo-Bia Classic.
Yes, it stings, but was the result unexpected? Not entirely. This is Kano, after all—a fortress that hasn’t been kind to us over the years. Still, the performance left a bitter taste in the mouth, raising concerns that must be addressed before things snowball into a season of regret.
Pillars have been a mixed bag this season, dropping points to lesser sides at home yet pulling off impressive scalps on the road, including a win against the defending champions. But our showing wasn’t just about them—it’s about us. A shaky defence, a misfiring attack, and a worrying lack of cohesion are painting a picture we’d rather not hang on the walls of our history.
Remember when I harped on the need for a psychological boost for our defenders after the Zamalek defeat? Well, it seems the message didn’t land. For Pillars’ first goal, our backline treated the ball like a hot potato, failing to clear their lines. Abba Adam, ever the opportunist, turned a half-chance into a thunderbolt. The second goal? More defensive charity that would make even Santa Claus blush.
If we’re struggling to score, the least we can do is not hand goals to our opponents on a silver platter. We need to get back to basics at the back—stay tight, stay focused, and stop the unnecessary generosity.
Our gaffer, Stanley Eguma, made a bold call, swapping Ani Ozoemena for Zalli Abdullahi in the starting XI—a classic Eguma masterstroke, signaling that mistakes have consequences. But while the tweak was bold, the collective performance wasn’t enough. The same lineup that served us continental heartbreak was largely unchanged, and it showed. We need a spark, something new, something bold, to shake things up.
It’s time for some hard conversations in Aba. Recruitment is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. Some players are simply not up to Enyimba’s standards. They need to pack their bags, either on loan or permanently. This is Enyimba—the land of giants, not passengers. Let’s bring in warriors who can defend the badge with the grit and pride it demands.
Our current position in 7th place is, frankly, very sad to see. The further we drift from the top, the steeper the climb to redemption. The road ahead won’t be easy, but this is where legends are made. The clock is ticking, and we’re dangerously close to losing our identity as Nigeria’s finest.
With another away game looming, we can’t afford a trilogy of defeats. A result in Ilorin is non-negotiable. We have to shake off this Kano hangover, quit feeling sorry for ourselves and recalibrate. The story of this season is currently being written and we can only decide how it goes.
The second stanza of the League season begins and you wonder if the team really needs a break or something. We have to find the resources within to finish well.
Back tomorrow with more,
Enyimba Enyi
