We go again!
After 13 days since our first and only Euromatch Nigeria Premier Football League fixture, we are back in action today. We missed Matchday 2 because our scheduled opponents, Shooting Stars, were busy with Continental football. That used to be our lot, though. Funny how the tables have turned.
Today, we face Doma United in Gombe, a fixture that may appear straightforward on paper. We are Enyimba, after all, while Doma United are only just returning to the top flight from the second tier. By that logic, we should be better placed to take maximum points. But football is rarely that obedient, and history, however limited, does not exactly favour us.
The last time we travelled to Gombe to face Doma United, we lost by the odd goal. We also had a stronger-looking team on paper at the time. Of course, Doma United may have had a better side too, but that is hardly the point. What matters is that the Savanna Tigers have already shown that they can make life uncomfortable for us on their own turf.
Doma United come into this encounter sitting proudly at the summit of the league table. They will remain there until at least tomorrow, regardless of what happens today. Two wins from two have taken them to the top, although both victories came against fellow promoted sides, Inter Lagos and Sporting Lagos. Still, six points are six points, and nobody at this stage of the season is returning them because the opposition was newly promoted.
There is also the small matter of Deji Ayeni sitting in the Doma United dugout.
Ayeni is a familiar name to Enyimba fans, although not necessarily for the fondest reasons. His time with us produced one of the poorest records associated with an Enyimba coach. To be fair, he arrived when the house was already divided against itself, while he was also trying to rebuild his own reputation. It was an extremely difficult job in an extremely difficult environment.
Today, he may see an opportunity to remind everyone that he is not quite as inadequate as some would have us believe. The best place to make that argument is on the pitch, where results tend to speak louder than interviews, explanations and revisionist history.
But there is another side to that story.
Emmanuel Deutsch may have arrived at Enyimba in a move that initially looked awkward, but he eventually steadied the sinking ship and helped salvage our top-flight status. His reward was a contract extension. Now, he faces the man whose job he effectively inherited, and he should be eager to make his own statement.
For Enyimba, the possible attacking trio of Samuel Anakwe, Ifeanyi Ihemekwele and Nelson Sule is one of the more exciting talking points ahead of the game. It feels like a combination of experience, present ability and future promise—a little bit of the past, present and future brought together in one attack.
Anakwe brings years of league experience and the kind of familiarity that comes with having seen the NPFL from different angles. Ihemekwele may only be returning from a long-term injury, but he is also the striker we spent much of last season wishing we had available. His return, if managed properly, could give the attack a different edge.
Then there is Nelson Sule.
For the youngster, this is a debut season at this level. He lit up the N-Youth League last year, earned his promotion to the senior setup and now has the opportunity to show that his goalscoring exploits were not limited to youth football and cup competitions. He may be young, but he certainly does not arrive without a reputation.
Together, Anakwe, Ihemekwele and Sule could offer a blend of experience, hunger and unpredictability. The ingredients are there. What remains is for the team to put them together on the pitch.
That, however, will require focus.
Our players must concentrate on the match and avoid getting themselves directly or indirectly involved in the cold war surrounding the soul of the club. There is enough football to be played without allowing boardroom tension, public arguments or external distractions to consume the attention that should be directed towards the game.
Doma United may be unbeaten at the moment, but they are not unbeatable.
The Savanna Tigers have started well, and they deserve respect. But Enyimba must also remember who we are, what we represent and what is expected of us. We need a performance that is disciplined, purposeful and brave enough to turn potential into points.
Kick-off is 4:00 p.m.
Enyimba Enyi!
