Enyimba’s inability to find a way past an organized Rivers United side in the NPFL star match of the weekend in Aba on Sunday hampered our upward march. The two sides played out a goalless draw for the first time in a decade, in a fixture that has historically produced goals, drama, and enthralling end to end football.
The fans turned out in their numbers, hoping the People’s Elephant would take advantage of home support and fresh energy, especially as Rivers United were coming off a rescheduled midweek match after their recent continental travels. But in the end, both well drilled sides neutralized each other to remain unbeaten this season.
This was a missed opportunity for Enyimba, who had a chance to close in on early pace setters Nasarawa United. That we still sit second on the table, just three points behind the leaders, is either a testament to our steady start or an indication of how slow the teams with continental commitments have begun.
Sunday’s stalemate was our second draw in four home matches. It is a worrying pattern considering that last season we dropped eight points at home through draws, a run that hurt our final position on the table. It is too early to panic, but the signs are there, and they must be taken seriously.
Our struggles in front of goal continue to tell the story. The addition of several new faces in attack may have disrupted chemistry, while injuries to last season’s top scorers Joseph Atule and Ekene Awazie, as well as breakout star Ifeanyi Ihemekwele, have left us short of options. A return of seven goals in seven matches is modest at best, and if improvements are not made, we risk repeating last season’s return of 38 goals in 38 matches. Even more concerning is the barren run of our lead striker, John Bassey, who has yet to register a goal or assist in seven starts. It did not go unnoticed among the fans, one of whom quipped online calling him “007” — zero goals, zero assists in seven matches.
When goals dry up, draws become the default result. Three goalless draws and another score draw make it four stalemates already this season. It is a reminder that unbeaten runs can flatter to deceive. Former Manchester City coach Mark Hughes once said he would rather win two and lose one than draw all three. Three points, he said, could be the difference between first and second place. Coincidentally, that is the exact gap that separates Enyimba and Nasarawa United right now. The leaders started their season with a loss but have since racked up four straight wins, including two away from home.
We await the return of our injured strikers to boost the attack, but until then, the coach may need to reshuffle his options. Perhaps starting Bassey from the bench could help him see the game differently and rediscover his spark when called upon. Something has to give in that final third, and quickly too.
Still, there is no crisis — just lessons. The goodwill among the fans remains strong. The team may have dropped two points, but they earned respect for their fight in difficult conditions. The last time we drew at home, we won away in the next game. Kun Khalifa is next. Let’s make it a pattern.
‘EnyimbaEnyi
