Enyimba gave us the perfect Christmas gift albeit 3 days after Christmas.
A convincing 3–0 victory over Shooting Stars of Ibadan at the Enyimba International Stadium, and a performance that felt like release. For the fans in Aba and those watching from afar, it was one of those nights that remind you why you keep believing, even when the season tests your patience.
This was our final game of the first stanza, and we played it like a team determined to close a difficult chapter on our own terms.
From the opening whistle, it was clear we meant business. The intent was there, the tempo was right, and the structure looked assured. That early dominance paid off in the 17th minute when Chinedu Ufere swept home a low, composed finish to give us the lead. It was deserved, and it settled the nerves inside the stadium.
We stayed on the front foot, pressing intelligently and keeping our shape without sacrificing attacking ambition. Then came the moment that could have shifted everything. Shooting Stars were awarded a penalty early in the second half, a chance to claw their way back into the contest.
Henry Anozie had other ideas.
The goalkeeper guessed right, saved Adewolu’s spot kick, and swung the momentum firmly back in our favour. It was a defining moment in the match and one that lifted both the players and the crowd.
Confidence flowed from there. Anozie was called upon again shortly after and delivered another big save, underlining his importance on the night. On the touchline, Lawrence Ukaegbu responded with well timed substitutions, introducing Ndedi, Edidiong and Christian to freshen things up and keep us on the front foot.
The breakthrough that killed the game arrived in the 85th minute. Nwaorisa picked his pass, Edidiong kept his composure, and the stadium erupted as the ball hit the net for 2–0. At that point, it felt done.
Deep into stoppage time, Chidera Michael put the seal on it. His goal in the 96th minute capped a dominant display and made it our biggest win of the season.
The final whistle confirmed a 3–0 victory, a clean sheet, and a strong finish to a turbulent first half of the campaign. The result lifts us to eighth on the table with 26 points, not where we ultimately want to be, but a platform to build from.
This win was more than three points. It was reassurance. Proof that the work is showing, that belief still exists in this group, and that there is something worth building in the second half of the season.
We head into the break encouraged, steadied, and hopeful.
Nzogbu Nzogbu.
Enyimba Enyi.
