Good morning Enyimba fans
Do you know that goalkeepers are often considered the last hope of any team? When you have a very good one, they can be both the 11th and 12th player on the pitch helping the team with their heroic saves. But when you have a bad one, in a Yoruba local parlance, ‘O ti pari’(It is finished); Manchester United fans will understand that lol.
Today, as we review the season, let’s talk about Enyimba’s dependable last line of defense, Ani Ozoemena. I watched Ani step up and fill the void left by Ojo Olorunleke, who moved to Al-Merrikh of Sudan. We all know there are some things about that deal we would rather not talk about now. But what’s clear is that Ani’s emergence as Enyimba’s number one was exceptional. From the moment he took over, it was obvious that Enyimba had a reliable pair of hands between the sticks.
Throughout the season, Statistics showed that Ani made 28 league appearances, and his consistency was impressive. His composure and reflexes stood out in every game. He conceded just 20 goals, kept 12 clean sheets, and was often the last line of defense that kept Enyimba’s hopes alive. I vividly remember his save against Plateau United at home in Aba, his crucial save against Heartland during the Oriental derby, and his penalty save against Al Masry in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage. There are so many moments like these that it is hard to list them all! Ani’s shot-stopping ability was vital, and his quick reflexes often turned what could have been goals into miraculous saves. Many times, his performances prevented losses and helped us secure valuable points.
In CAF competitions, Ani featured in 5 matches, conceding only 9 goals. Some might call that a rough outing in Africa, but I believe he did his best, especially considering our team was going through a tough phase at that time. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed, earning him a call-up to the Super Eagles’ Team B, a recognition I believe he truly deserved.
There’s a football adage that says ‘Attacks win you games but Defense wins you titles.’ Looking back, I think Ani could have done even better if the defense in front of him had been sharper and more organized. A stronger, more resilient backline would have made his job easier and perhaps even more effective. Nevertheless, Ani’s influence was undeniable. His leadership and calmness under pressure helped stabilize the team during critical moments, especially in tight games.
For his outstanding contributions this season, I give Ani Ozoemena a well-deserved 8.5/10; the highest rating I have awarded any Enyimba player so far. His season has been nothing short of exceptional. With a more solid defense, Ani would have been unstoppable.
Ani has truly proven that with the right mindset and talent, you can fill even the biggest shoes and shine. I look forward to seeing him continue to grow and lead Enyimba’s goalkeeping department in the seasons ahead.
Enyimba Enyi!
