Sunday’s result disappears into the sunset, but there was something different in the air at the Enyimba Stadium at full time last Sunday. Can we chat about it a little? Maybe it was relief, maybe it was redemption, maybe it was just the sound of a club finally remembering who it is. Whatever it was, it felt good.
After three painful defeats that tested both players and fans, the People’s Elephant found their voice again with a 2–0 win over Kano Pillars.
It was not just a win. Call it a therapy.
This victory came at a time when pressure was at its peak. Coach Stanley Eguma had been handed a two-match ultimatum after a rough September that saw Enyimba slip from second place to mid-table. The message was clear; respond or step aside. On Sunday, his team responded. An elated Eguma spoke after the match, his relief visible.
“I’m very happy, this is what we expected from the boys. The team’s spirit was down after three losses, but they showed character and heart today. I commend them for this performance; it’s a victory that will surely bring back confidence.”
You could see that confidence slowly returning, one pass, one tackle, one cheer at a time. The midfield was sharper, the transitions cleaner, and the fight unmistakable. Aba felt alive again.
John Bassey, who had gone nine matches without scoring, finally broke his duck. His goal, a calm finish inside the box, carried the weight of weeks of frustration. His celebration said it all — the clenched fists, the look of a man freed from a heavy burden. Coach Eguma praised his persistence:
“We’ve stood by him through thick and thin, and seeing him shatter that scoring curse is a huge relief for everyone. With this behind him, we’re optimistic he’ll keep finding the net and become a real asset in our attack moving forward.”
This was the Enyimba the fans had been waiting for; disciplined, purposeful, confident. The kind of display that reminds everyone that even wounded giants still trample when cornered. Meanwhile did you see Modo’s Artistry? Check this and this. Class.
That said, there is no time to relax. Next weekend brings the Abia Derby in Umuahia against league leaders Abia Warriors, a fixture that promises emotion, pride, and sparks. Eguma knows it too.
“It’s always a tough battle with them. They’re a solid team, but this win has us feeling pumped to push even harder and make sure we don’t lose ground on the road.”
With the victory, Enyimba climbed to sixth on the NPFL table with 16 points, while Pillars remain rooted at the bottom. For the fans, though, this one was more than points. It was a reminder of who we are — the team that fights, that believes, that refuses to stay down.
Because on Sunday, on a run of poor results, the People’s Elephant remembered how to trumpet.
Meanwhile, Governor Otti, please, where is Pinto? Where is Ihemekwele?
EnyimbaEnyi 💙
