Enyimba FC returned to winning ways on Sunday with a convincing 3–1 victory over Kwara United at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba, a result that offered both relief and renewed belief after recent setbacks. Goals from Agu Samuel and a second-half brace by Chidera Michael ensured the People’s Elephant collected all three points in front of their home supporters.
The win was not only important for the scoreline but also for what it represented—a response. Enyimba approached the contest with intent, showing greater structure in both attack and defence, a balance Interim Head Coach Lawrence Ukaegbu was keen to emphasize afterward.
“It was a good game and that’s what we had expected because we prepared well,” Ukaegbu said. “It wasn’t a surprise, and I’m happy. We succeeded due to our attacking and defending setup, though we missed chances.”
That preparation showed early. Enyimba pressed with purpose, moved the ball quickly through midfield, and asked consistent questions of the Kwara United defence. The breakthrough arrived through Agu Samuel, whose effort ultimately opened the scoring before Chidera Michael took center stage after the interval. His brace not only killed off the contest but also highlighted the attacking sharpness Enyimba have been searching for in recent weeks.
For captain Pascal Eze, the victory carried personal significance. Now in his fifth season at the club, the defender spoke with pride about delivering on promises made to the fans and the sense of responsibility within the squad.
“I’m happy we delivered as promised—this feels like home,” Eze said. “We’re on a mission to end the first stanza strong; the boys understand what’s at stake.
”That understanding has been evident in the renewed urgency around the team’s performances. While there is still work to be done, particularly in sustaining consistency, the display against Kwara United suggested a group beginning to reconnect with its purpose and identity.
Attention now turns to matchday 18 and a challenging away trip to Maiduguri to face El-Kanemi Warriors. Ukaegbu confirmed that tactical flexibility will be key as Enyimba look to build on this momentum.
“For Maiduguri, we’ll deploy a new formation to aim for a positive result against El-Kanemi,” he said. “They are a team we know well.
”Eze echoed that determination, promising that the team will approach the fixture with ambition rather than caution. “In Maiduguri, we’ll fight for maximum points to delight our fans,” the captain assured.
The victory over Kwara United moves Enyimba to 23 points and eighth place on the NPFL log, a position that offers a platform to push higher as the season progresses. More importantly, it provides belief—belief that with clarity, commitment, and consistency, the People’s Elephant can still shape their campaign positively.
For now, Enyimba have taken a step in the right direction. The challenge is ensuring it’s not the last.
