Enyimba FC was not in action in the Euromatch NPFL last weekend due to continental commitments. Read it again. Though we were not directly involved, as our scheduled opponent – Shooting Stars SC were in the thick of it in the CAF Confederation Cup. The extended break afforded our new-look team more time on the training pitch,to continue the work of improving on team-play and evolving a more coherent plan for the season. Although most coaches prefer to assess their team in match situations and make in-game decisions to improve outcomes. Rather than a lengthy time in training, at a time the players are yet to fully shake off preseason cobwebs.
The People’s Elephants’ built-up hunger to hit the pitch after a two-week period of intense training and preparations will unfold on Saturday in Gombe, as newly promoted side Doma United face the sternest test to their perfect start to the new season. The Savannah Tigers have recorded two victories from their opening two fixtures. Interestingly both wins came against two newly promoted sides too and Lagos based clubs – Sporting Lagos and Inter Lagos.
The Doma United vs Enyimba FC fixture is one of keen interest this weekend, as it’s layered with interesting sub-plots. From the results and controversies that trailed previous encounters to the relationship between the men in the opposite dugouts. It all adds to the excitement and buzz going into the round of matches this weekend. Then throw into the mix our record against promoted teams last term.
Doma United made their topflight debut in the 2022/23 season, but avoided us as they were drawn in a different group from Enyimba’s in an abridged league season. They did enough to preserve their status that year to set up a first encounter with us the next season. Although they did get relegated after a two-year stay in the top-tier, they didn’t go down without taking four points off us. A stunning 1-0 win in Gombe and a frustrating encounter in Aba, that called the attention of NFF Disciplinary Committee to review and set aside the decision of the referee to award a late goal to us after he had been led to the Outside Broadcast Van to have another look at the incident leading to the goal and overturn his earlier decision of an offside call. Consequently, the awarded 0-0 scoreline and a share of the points made it four points dropped against the Savannah Tigers , which largely impacted negatively on our title defence.
Another layer is about the men in the opposite dugouts. Particularly that of the hosts, a man behind the technical decisions that has seen the Gombe-based side make a blistering start to their return to the NPFL. The man – Ayodeji Ayeni needs little introduction to Enyimba fans. He also needs no extra motivation to show the stuff he is made of in this tie against the Aba side, where he had a fleeting and uneventful stint last season. It was the briefest of spells at the club by any substantive coach. Ayeni will obviously relish this match up, as he would want to get over the bitter taste of his Aba experience early, so as to focus on maintaining the good form and buoyant mood of his team this season.
Ayeni was plucked from NNL side Crown FC, to reset the technical direction of a floundering Enyimba side, after Stanley Eguma’s sack mid-season. He was kept away from the lights due to the prolonged contractual issues with Eguma. When he finally stepped out, he barely lasted three matches before decisions and counter-decisions from the top edged him out for Emmanuel Deutsch. What seemed like a disruption to his work at Ogbomosho, opened a new vista for him at Doma United, whom he joined in the off season and looks like a man on a mission to make his mark.
Enyimba’s record against promoted teams last season was dire for a club of such towering status. The Aba boys were winless against Barau FC, Kun Khalifa, Warri Wolves and Wikki Tourists. Taking a paltry four points from a possible twenty-four, with four draws and four losses – including two at home to Wolves and Wikki. It’s an anomaly that if not addressed properly and early this season, could embolden others and form another unwanted pattern this term.
Deutsch fulfilled his first brief – staving off relegation. Now this match, a direct match-up with his predecessor, provides another opportunity to show that we are on the right track with him at the helm. This is his team. Having spent the final part of last term, and had a full pre-season session with the side. The time is ripe to put his stamp on the team. He never objected, at least publicly, to the wholesale changes in the squad. So the responsibility for the team’s fortunes rests on his shoulders. I wish him and the team very well, and hope we start picking up the points to climb up the table and not lose track of the early leaders. What’s the best way to lay down the marker than to do it against early pacesetters – Doma United at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe, in the most clinical fashion, that the VAR or even the ridiculous option of hopping into an OB van won’t be needed to make a decision.
Enyimba Enyi!
