Coach Deji Ayeni has insisted that Enyimba’s ambitions for the 2025/26 NPFL season remain firmly intact, despite Wednesday’s disappointing 3–1 defeat to Shooting Stars in Ibadan.
Speaking after the game, the newly appointed Technical Adviser maintained that the performance was better than the scoreline suggested, stressing that the team stuck to its tactical plan even though the result went against them.
“Football is a game of three things,” Ayeni said. “You win, you draw, or you lose. Today, we were on the losing side.”
According to him, Enyimba approached the game with the right mindset and structure, but football has a way of humbling you even on your good days.
“Our approach was good and the boys followed the tactics,” he added. “Sometimes you play well and still lose, and sometimes you play badly and win. That’s football.”
Rather than dwell on the setback, Ayeni made it clear that the focus is already shifting toward improvement. The lessons from Ibadan, he says, will be addressed as the team returns to Aba.
When asked about Enyimba’s goals for the rest of the season, his response was firm and confident.
“We still believe strongly in our target,” he said. “All we need to do is pick up our pieces, correct our errors, and plan properly for the remaining games so we can pick vital points.”
Next up for the People’s Elephant is a home fixture against Barau FC on Matchday 21. It presents an immediate opportunity to respond, steady the ship, and remind everyone what Enyimba are capable of in Aba.
The message from the dugout is simple. The setback in Ibadan hurts, but the season is far from over.
Enyimba Enyi.
