By Fisayo Dairo

It was a result that extracted contrasting reactions from Coaches on both sides of the bench in the fixture between Enyimba International and Nasarawa United at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba.

While Assistant Coach of Enyimba, Deniran Ortega celebrated his side’s win in the five goals thriller as a deserving birthday gift, the Head Coach of Nasarawa United, Bala Nikyu cut the figure of a subdued fighter.

Nkiyu may have been stunned by the outcome, he was philosophical in his response to www.npfl.ng submitting that there would always be a winner and a loser in the game.

“The game has been played and concluded and the result is there. It’s not everyone that will win in football so I think it was okay.

“I won’t talk about my players but anyone that is here today can testify that they did what is expected of a team so I don’t make comments about players,” said Nikyu.

Enyimba assistant coach Deniran Ortega was satisfied with the win on his birthday but was left worried about his defence.

“The game played out very well. My boys did well and I must congratulate Nasarawa as well because they did well too,” Ortega told www.npfl.ng after the game.

“It was an interesting game and I thought as much so we prepared the players for it, to score more goals.

“It’s my birthday today so it’s a double win for me,” added the former Warri Wolves coach.

Former champions Enyimba had dug deep to see off a resolute Nasarawa United side 3-2 in the interesting NPFL MatchDay 30 encounter.

The People’s Elephant, playing in the absence of their head coach Finidi George who is away on national team duties were made to work hard for their money by Nikyu’s wards who twice pegged their hosts back in the game. 

After a cagey opening, Enyimba got their noses in front in the 44th minute when Samuel Stone Onukwube poked home a rebound before Nasarawa United equalised four minutes after the break through Sunday Okereke who finished off a King Osanga free kick.

Enyimba restored their lead three minutes later when Emeka Obioma rounded off a team move with a side-footed finish to Sadiq Abubakar’s cross but the visitors once again pulled level, this time from the penalty spot through Michael Tochukwu after Abdullahi Aliyu was upended.

The 2019 league champions would then miss a spot kick after captain Austin Oladapo saw his take saved by goalkeeper Godwin Ameh but the points were claimed three minutes from time when Ghanaian midfielder Farouk Mohammed converted another spot kick after Obioma was upended.

Match Day 31 action comes up in midweek with Enyimba staying at home once again to welcome Sunshine Stars while Nasarawa United will host Abia Warriors in Jos.

Match Lineups

Enyimba XI

21. Sabirou Bassa-Djeri 32. Bilal Yakubu

3. Daniel Darkwah 16. Philip Ozor

18. Pascal Eze 6. Nabil Yarou 14. Samuel Kalu 20. Cyril Olisema 9. Emeka Obioma

8. Samuel Stone Onukwube 13. Sadiq Abubakar

Subs

 1. John Noble 7. Christian Ekong 17. Chigozie Obasi 19. Orok Gabriel Ibitham

26. Austin Oladapo 27. Farouk Mohammed 28. Abel James 36. Abdulwasiu Mahmud 38. Godwin Emmanuel

Nasarawa United XI

34. Godwin Ameh 2. Afeez Bankole

33. Ini Edem 37. Joshua Ogbole

14. Victor Collins 16. Manga Mohammed

13. King Osanga 30. Michael Tochukwu

18. Adamu Hassan 31. Sunday Okereke

23. Aliyu Abdullahi

SUBS:

40. Danjuma Mustapha 6. Abubakar Abdullahi 5. Bello Abdullahi 17. Ifeanyi Ejeh 10. Dauda Maigishiri 20. Ikenna Offor 9. Chinedu Ohanachom 8. Shammasu Mohammed

19. Charles Eguavon

Enyimba produced another spectacular performance to liven hopes for their fans who have endured indifferent outings in the season with a convincing 3-0 win over Gombe United. 

The Aba based team started the game lively from the 3rd minute, as Sadiq Abubakar’s  pass found Victor Mbaoma close to the box, but the strikers effort was saved by Gombe Goalkeeper Kazeem Yekini.

Enyimba scored their first goal in the 6th minute when Yakubu Bilal found Obioma Chukwuemeka close to the opponents 18 yard box and the striker slotted home calmly.

Gombe however tried to respond early after conceding, as in the 11th minute, Somiala Bello had his cross from the right flank, shot off the bar, by Yusuf Abdulazeez.

Enyimba Victor Mbaoma scored his team’s second goal of the day in the 16th minute, after a fine interchange of passes between him and his strike partner, Emeka Obioma. It was his 11th goal of the season in the league for Enyimba.

Samuel Oyediji came close to getting a goal for Gombe United but his shot went inches wide in the 20th minute. 

Enyimba’s third goal arrived in the 29th minute after  Cyril Olisema benefited from a fine pass from Samuel Kalu and slotted past the Gombe Goalkeeper.

The visitors kept pushing for a goal as Abba Maigari had his chance in the 31st minute, but his long range shot was saved by Enyimba Goalkeeper John Noble as Enyimba took a 3 goal lead at half time.

The second half started with Gombe United seeking for a respite, but couldn’t score as Abba Maigari , Ahmed Jimoh and Yusuf Abdulazeez missed glaring chances in the 55th , 61st and 65th minute from giving themselves a consolation.

Enyimba almost got a fourth goal in the 70th minute, after Victor Mbaoma met Yakubu  Bilal’s cross, but his shot at goal inches wide.

Gombe United Substitute Christian Innocent came close in the 68th minute, but his effort went wide, while Ahmed Jimoh’s shot went over the bar from a good position in the 78th minute.

Gombe United kept pushing for a goal stronger  but failed to find a breakthrough again in the 80th minute.

Enyimba Coach Finidi George introduced Captain Austin Oladapo, Gabriel Orok and Ghanaian midfielder Farouk Mohammed for Samuel Kalu, Obioma Chukwuemeka and Godwin Emmanuel, as the home side searched for more goals.

Enyimba will be guests to Akwa United Fc, while Gombe Utd will host Sunshine Stars of Akure on matchday 27.

Speaking to www.nfpl.ng Enyimba coach Finidi George said his team played well especially in the first half.

“We had a good game today against Gombe United, especially in the first 45 minutes as we scored early goals before 30 minutes, it’s still work in progress as we seek to finish the season on a high note”

His opposite on the dugout, Aliyu Zubiaru blamed the defeat on his players loss of concentration.

“We lost to a better Enyimba team, as we couldn’t take the game to Enyimba, and conceded early goals which made it difficult to come back, but we will make amends in our next game at home”.

Man of the match: Cyril Olisema (Enyimba Fc)

The successes can not only be explained by the passion that Monimichelle have for football, but also by the fact that some states have managed to set up sport infrastructures that are not different from those built in the other parts of Nigeria.

Below is a list of the 6 finest football stadiums built or refurbished by Monimichelle in Nigeria – a list chosen taking into account the capacity, attractiveness, comfort, and ability to host sporting events.

1. Enyimba International Stadium (Aba)

Located in Aba, Abia State, Enyimba International Stadium has a capacity of 16,000 seats. It hosts matches involving Enyimba FC.

The stadium has been used for continental and Nigeria Professional Football League games.

2. Onikan Stadium (Lagos)

Located on the southeastern corner of Lagos Island near Tafewa Balewa Square, the Onikan Stadium is asports complex. It has a capacity of 5,000.

The Stadium was given face lift by Monimichelle, with the turf and arena simply world class.

3. Samson Siasia Stadium (Yenagoa)

The edifice is located in Yenagoa. It is equipped with parking, and park & ride facilities for spectators.

The Samson Siasia Stadium, truly embodies the architectural innovation of Bayelsa.

It is the first environmentally friendly astro turf pitch in Africa, the coconut fiber infills on its lead free artificial grass and shock pad gave it a unique closeness to natural turf. The friendly astro turf pitch was built by Monimichelle Sports Facility Construction Ltd.

4. Muhammadu Dikko Stadium (Katsina)

The Muhammadu Dikko Stadium is located in Katsina. It is dedicated to football games with a capacity of 35,000 seats. This stadium remains one of the most beautiful sportive monuments in Northern region.

It officially opened in 2013.

5. Remo Stars Stadium (Ikenne)

The Remo Stars Stadium is located in Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria, and it is the home of Remo Stars. This attractive infrastructure was designed by Monimichelle.

6. Aper Aku Stadium (Makurdi)

Located in Makurdi, Aper Aku Stadium, as its name indicates, is a beautiful building with 15,000 seats. The stadium which is located at the heart of Makurdi is the home ground of Lobi Stars.

The 100% Natural Geo Technology Pitch was constructed by Monimichelle Sports.

The Solid Miners are currently third on the ladder after 27 matches.

United meet Enyimba on Sunday and occupy the final continental place.

“It has been a great season for us at Nasarawa United,” he told reporters.

“We’ve played to a high level and we are very happy.

“We’ll be confronting Enyimba as though it’s a final. Three points are up for grabs but it’s special because it’s against a tough side who beat us in Lafia. We won’t allow them do a double.

“How can we beat them? By scoring more goals than they do.”

On the subject of the Enyimba game, Tebo insisted it was no more important than any other game in the final part of the season.

“Now every game is a final for us,” he argued.

“The tie in Aba is an important League match since we’re third but nothing will be finished. We’ve prepared very well for this game.”

Enyimba FC had to wait till injury time before breaking Orlando Pirates with a strike from Cyril Olisema to qualify for the quarter-final of CAF Confederation Cup.

The People’s Elephants left it late in a match they needed nothing short of an outright victory to qualify for the quartet finals thereby boosting their chances of winning the African second tier club title.

Enyimba was without their suspended captain and leading scorer Augustine Oladapo and his absence was hugely felt in the middle of the pack for the Aba giants.

The hosts were more dominant against an unbeaten Bucs who came into the game with nothing to lose.

Chances were created in both halves by the hosts but the likes of Anayo Iwuala, Victor Mbaoma and Samuel Orok couldn’t found the needed target until the fifth minute of added when Olisema find himself at best place at right time to bury past the Pirates’ keeper.

The Fatai Osho led side however finished the group with same points (9) as leaders pushing Orlando Pirates to second based on head to head rules.

Both teams will have to till Friday to determine who their quarterfinal opponents will be during the draws.

Former Abia State Governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has expressed displeasure over the current status of state owned club, Enyimba Int’l calling on the Abia government to give the team a needed attention.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu stated this on Wednesday when he was a guest on a popular sports platform on WhatsApp called Nigeria Sports Mouthpiece, NSM Rebranded.

The former two term governor of God’s Own State who under his administration led Enyimba to their historic back to back CAF Champions League glories noted with dismay what once loved by all club has turned to.

Senator Kalu disclosed that the club’s present dip in form was as a result of neglect by the present Abia state government which has made the team fell short of glories and motivation to record successes.

He recalled how motivated the team to record laurels and glories during his reign as Governor and called on the present government to give the club more attention which would make it returned to being admired by many as it were.

“Enyimba is an international club and its sad to see that a club I loved so much is not doing well as its used to, Enyimba was the pride of Aba people and Nigeria, they worship the club after God, but I’m not very happy with what is happening with the club right now, I believe they’ve reigned and they will continue to reign.

“Enyimba are in their worst part now since I left them, they have not done well and I don’t see them well because you cannot owe players, you can’t keep coaches happy you cannot motivates the coaches, and even the media that are promoting the team. If you don’t do this, its absolutely very difficult for a club to do very well.

“I used to travel from Umuahia to Aba to go and train with Enyimba and I used to follow Enyimba almost everywhere they go and those are parts of the motivation.

“I believe (they will improve) but they are struggling, may be tomorrow something will change, time will tell, so they will come back one day,” he said.

Senator Orji Kalu who is representing Abia North at the upper chamber of the National Assembly revealed how he planned to commercialized the People’s Elephants during his reign but the plan was jettisoned by his successor, Governor Theodore Orji who also changed his privately formed club, OUK FC to the state owned now called Abia Warriors.

“Before I left, we wanted to commercialized Enyimba and make it to go public working on it till I left and I briefed the Governor coming after me thinking he would follow suit but he failed to do that because Enyimba was really the love of our people and it was everything.

‘You know I created two teams back then, the other one was in Umuahia, I named them Orji Uzor Kalu (OUK FC) but they changed the name to Abia Warriors, I believe they will come back one day and I will be taking the club (Abia Warriors) back just that time isn’t right now.”

Founded in 1976, Enyimba have won a record eight Nigerian League titles and also won four FA Cup glories.

The clergy in charge of Living Faith Church, Gadumo Lokoja, Kogi State, Pastor Chigozie Kingsman Abakwe has called on Nigerians to fast and pray fervently to God in order to overcome the challenges of 2021.

Abakwe made the call on Sunday during the church service in Lokoja.

He said many believers across the worlds had failed to understand the importance of prayers and fasting, stressing that, it is a major requirement before God for a dramatic change in someone’s life.

Picking his test from book of II Corinthians, the clergy bemoaned on believers who are ignorant on the significants of prayers and fasting, adding that, there is need to understand the word of God which is explicitly covered in the holy bible.

Abakwe stressed further that, Christians must behold the glory of God, and engage him in the spirit in a bid to over this year challenges.

According to him, fasting and prayer is an expression of ones desire to see the glory of God.

The clergy while harping on the church 21 days prayers and fasting organized by Living Faith Church Nationwide averred further that, the integral part of Christian lives remains prayers and fasting.

Speaking further on the benefits of prayers and fasting, Pastor Abakwe noted that there is no challenges prayers and fasting can not handle, just as he mentioned its benefits which includes destroying every yokes, empowers individuals into level of power and glory, guarantees answers to prayers, empowers believers to work in revelations

He however prayed that the year 2021 will be the best year for many Nigerians.

” The year 2020 will forever go down memory lane among believers in the world. Although we are grateful to God almighty for making us to overcome the ups and down of last year, it is time for us to stand and engage God in prayers and fasting.

“Through prayers and Faster, God will help us to fight our battles as he made us understand that he will set all is people free from the hands of captivity in this new year.

“No one can see God at a physical level. Prayers and fasting can be done through the spiritual realm. Prayers and fasting is a thing of necessity and a commandment to the implementation of God purpose in life. Any Christians who fails to pray and fast won’t grow spiritually” he stated.

End

The People’s Elephants who humbled rivals Abia Comets 2-0 in their last group game, went unbeaten to top the Group A log with 10 points from four matches, set up a clash with Jos based, Plateau United who placed second in Group B with 10 points.

The Peace Boys are yet to be defeated in Aba, with three wins and one draw at the competition.

The Nigerian representatives at the CAF Champions League would be using the game to test the strength of their players ahead of the continental showpiece.

Abia Warriors have a tricky test with giant killers A&A in the second semi final game billed for on Friday at 3pm.

Winners from the two semi-final games will clash in the finals on Saturday November 21, 2020.

The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) sides joined Abia Warriors in the last four following wins over A&A and Flight FC respectively.

The People’s Elephants were again on the joyous side on Wednesday, thanks to a 2-1 victory over A&A. Emmanuel Isreal’s late consolation was not enough to undo Sadiq Adamu and Cyril Olisema’s goals at the Enyimba International Stadium.

The two-time CAF Champions League winners sit three points above second-placed A&A, who have six points.

Third in the Group A table and now with one game in hand, Abia Comets were 2-1 winners over Jewel FA.

Plateau United did well to fly past hard fighting Flight FA 2-1. A brace from Sunday Adetunji put the Peace Boys in cruise control before Foga Dominic netted a consolation for the Gboko based side.

Meanwhile, a brace from Michael Josiah and Ekene Osigwe’s screamer helped Ngwa United clip the wings of Abia Greater Tomorrow 3-1. Harrison Chinaza was on song for Greater Tomorrow.

Day 4 Results

Ngwa United 3-1 Abia Greater Tomorrow

Enyimba 2-1 A&A

Abia Comets 2-1 Jewel FA

Flight FA 1-2 Plateau United