Enyimba FC head coach, Yemi Olanrewaju, has hailed his team's resilience and determination after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lobi Stars in their rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday two fixture. The match, which took place at the Enyimba Stadium, Aba, saw the home side take control early, but they were made to work hard for the victory by a stubborn Lobi Stars side.
Speaking after the match, Olanrewaju expressed satisfaction with the result while acknowledging that there is room for improvement. “We’re happy to get the three points; that’s what matters,” Olanrewaju said. “The league is a marathon, and every game counts. Getting maximum points at home is crucial.”
The victory was vital for Enyimba, who are looking to build momentum as they aim for a top finish in the NPFL this season. The coach emphasized the importance of winning at home, especially in a long and challenging season where every result matters in the race for the title.
Early Dominance and a Quick Two-Goal Lead
Enyimba started the game with great intensity, dominating possession and pressing high up the pitch. Their early pressure paid off when Ufere Chinedu scored in the 13th minute on his home debut. Chinedu’s goal was a superb finish, showcasing his quality and confidence in front of goal. The home crowd was thrilled to see their team take the lead, and Chinedu’s goal set the tone for the match.
Just two minutes later, in the 15th minute, Enyimba doubled their advantage. Captain Eze Ekwutoziam calmly converted a penalty to make it 2-0 after Lobi Stars conceded a foul inside the box. Ekwutoziam’s composure from the spot further boosted the home team’s morale, and at that point, it looked like Enyimba was cruising to an easy victory.
Lobi Stars' Response and Defensive Lapses
However, the momentum began to shift after Enyimba’s second goal. As coach Olanrewaju admitted, complacency crept into the team’s performance. “We started strong, dominating the first 20 minutes, but complacency crept in,” he said. “We sat back, and that wasn’t good enough. We allowed Lobi Stars to gain momentum.”
Lobi Stars took advantage of Enyimba’s lapse in concentration, and in the 37th minute, they pulled one back through Waheed Adebayor, who scored a well-taken volley. Adebayor’s goal gave Lobi Stars renewed energy, and they pushed forward, looking for an equalizer before halftime. Although Enyimba managed to hold on to their lead, the pressure was mounting as Lobi Stars began to grow in confidence.
Resilience and Holding on for the Win
Despite the defensive lapses, Enyimba managed to hold their ground in the second half. Lobi Stars continued to press, but Enyimba’s defense, led by Ekwutoziam, stood firm, ensuring the visitors did not find the back of the net again. The home side showed resilience and determination to protect their lead and secure the all-important three points.
Coach Olanrewaju was pleased with how his team responded in the latter stages of the match, despite the drop in performance after the early goals. “We sat back too much after going two goals up, but the players showed great character to hold on for the win. It’s something we’ll address moving forward, but for now, the win is what matters,” he said.
Focus Shifts to Rivers United
With the victory over Lobi Stars behind them, Olanrewaju and his team are already shifting their focus to their next league match against Rivers United. The encounter, scheduled for Sunday, September 29th, at the Adokiye Amesiemeka Stadium, promises to be another tough challenge for Enyimba.
“We’re putting this game behind us and focusing on Rivers United. I’m very excited about the next challenge,” Olanrewaju remarked. The coach is aware that facing Rivers United away from home will be no easy task, but he is confident that his team can build on their recent victory and continue to climb the NPFL standings.
A Positive Step Towards Title Ambitions
Enyimba’s win over Lobi Stars is an important step in their quest for NPFL success this season. The team has shown flashes of brilliance, but they will need to maintain consistency if they are to challenge for the title. Olanrewaju’s men have now picked up crucial points at home, and with a strong performance against Rivers United, they could further solidify their position as title contenders.
Enyimba’s recent continental engagements may have disrupted their early season form, but with this victory, the People’s Elephant have returned to league action with renewed focus. The team’s ability to grind out results, even when not playing at their best, is a positive sign for their ambitions this season.
As the league progresses, Enyimba will look to build on their momentum, with Olanrewaju keen to see his side improve in both attack and defense. For now, however, the focus remains on their upcoming fixture against Rivers United, where they hope to secure another crucial win and continue their climb up the NPFL standings.
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