Good day!
The weekend is here again, and as always, it’s buzzing with football activities. Nigerian clubs with continental engagements are on the move, jetting across borders for continental assignments, some relocating from their bases to “adopted” home grounds, and others just trying to get by. This used to be our story at Enyimba or should I say, this is what we are known for. Perennial continental campaigners. That’s exactly why the hunger to return next season burns so strongly within us.
But let’s pause for a second and talk about our current continental representatives. None of the four Nigerian teams are playing on their true home turf. Remo Stars have shifted to Abeokuta because Ikenne is under renovation. Kwara United? Same Abeokuta. Abia Warriors have ditched Umuahia for Uyo, and Rivers United are flirting with the same fate. Four teams, all forced into exile. That, my friends, is a terrible sign.
Want me to make it worse? Out of 20 teams in the NPFL, 16 are state-owned. Yet the only pitch that easily passes CAF inspection belongs to a state with no NPFL team. Akwa Ibom. Their Akwa United just got relegated but they’re still balling with a world-class infrastructure.
That’s an investment. Sixteen state owned teams (well, fifteen states in reality) and not one can boast of maintaining a stadium fit for international club matches. But we still call ourselves the “giants of Africa.” Ironically, we’re also one of the world’s top five exporters of football talent. Somehow, the players shine abroad while the home they left behind crumbles. The irony writes itself.
Let’s bring it closer to home. Abia State once promised us a “stadium city.” A dream project, one that could transform the state’s economy and bring new life to our clubs. Just think about the reported sums teams are required to pay to lease the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, money that could be staying here. It’s a beautiful dream, but one can’t help but hope it doesn’t end up like most Nigerian dreams: filed under projects that either never left the drawing board or never got completed.
Of course, we can sulk about not being one of the four flying Nigeria’s flag this season, but the reality is this: our job is here at home. And this weekend, the task isn’t easy. Unlike Bayelsa United, Bendel Insurance have been a tough nut for us to crack in recent years. They’re disciplined, stubborn, and always carry that air of unpredictability. This is the kind of match that tests whether you really want to sit at the top of the table or just flirt with it.
On a brighter note, congratulations to our U19 trio, goalkeeper Matthew Eze, wingback Goodluck Kemakolam, and striker Nelson Sule, on making the NPFL U19 All-Star squad. Go out there, boys, and show them what Enyimba DNA looks like. We’re proud of you already.
Back tomorrow.
EnyimbaEnyi
