Enyimba will begin our 2025/26 NPFL campaign with an away fixture against new boys, Barau FC on Sunday, August 24.
Here we look at our opening day travels in the last decade.
RIVERS UNITED 1-0 ENYIMBA, 2016.
The rivers in Port Harcourt did unite as the two traditional clubs in the city – the defunct Sharks FC and Dolphins FC merged to present a united front for the first time as a single entity – Rivers United.
The champions – Enyimba, made a short trip to the garden city for the opening game of the season, in defence of their league title. It turned out to an even match-up for large spells, with both sides cancelling out each other, until the 65th-minute when Frederick Obomate scored to ensure maximum points for the Stanley Eguma coached Rivers United.
LOBI STARS 1 – 1 ENYIMBA, 2018.
Chinedu Udeagha ,a new signing from Enugu Rangers was thrust straight into the starting lineup by Coach Paul Aigbogun, and he did reward his coach in style with the opener in the first half. His remarkable first Enyimba strike,placed beyond the reach of Lobi Stars goalkeeper Olufemi Kayode wasn’t enough to earn us the full points,as we were pegged back. But it gave us a share of the spoils in Makurdi.
KATSINA UNITED 1-1 ENYIMBA,2019/20
The matchday 1 fixture at home against Nasarawa United was rescheduled due to Enyimba’s continental commitments. So a long trip to Katsina presented the opportunity to kickstart our domestic campaign. Enyimba went behind inside 5 minutes of play, after a penalty awarded the host was cleanly dispatched by Tasiu Lawal. However we fought back to draw level before halftime, through Martins Usule. A player who joined us from the Katsina side at the close of season. Talk about opening your account against your former side on a familiar turf.
NASARAWA UNITED 1-2 ENYIMBA,2022/23.
Enyimba raced to a 2-goal lead in the first 45 minutes with goals by Elijah Akanni and Imo Obot. The Lafia based side pushed back in the 2nd half and were rewarded for their effort with a penalty late on. Enyimba goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo saved Ikenna Ofor’s spot-kick,but the rebound fell kindly for Josiah Oche to tap home in the 87th minute to halve the scoreline and set up a nervy end to match. We held on and out, to set the tone for the campaign. Nasarawa United weren’t the only team to suffer that fate at Enyimba’s hands that season, as we would end the campaign as NPFL champions.
HEARTLAND 1- 3 ENYIMBA, 2024/25.
The first oriental derby of the season had all the trappings of a local classico. A cagey encounter until Suraju Lawal broke the deadlock in the 54th minute, to incur the wrath of Enyimba. Substitute Ifeanyi Ihemekwele equalized two minutes after coming on for his debut goal in the 65th minute,to set the stage for another debutant,Clinton Jephta to compound the woes of the Owerri side with a quick-fire brace to seal a famous victory for the club and enduring bragging rights for the fans.
More of the victories against Barau FC in Kano would certainly be a welcome start to the season. Let’s go !
‘EnyimbaEnyi
