Enyimba’s Coach Olanrewaju Sets Sights on Remo Stars After Dramatic Bayelsa Draw – A Must-Win Showdown Looms



Enyimba FC's coach, Yemi Olanrewaju, has quickly turned his focus to his team's upcoming clash against Remo Stars, following a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Bayelsa United in Yenagoa. Enyimba managed to maintain their unbeaten streak against Bayelsa, securing a valuable point in a closely contested NPFL Matchday 10 encounter. However, the team knows they need to sharpen their performance as they prepare for Remo Stars, who are currently level with Rivers United atop the league table.

The match against Bayelsa saw Enyimba take an early lead in the 29th minute. It was a well-orchestrated counterattack, with Ifeanyi Ihemekwele chesting down a long pass and setting up Ufere Chinedu just outside the box. Chinedu quickly spotted Alade Balogun, who cleverly executed a cutback for Ekene Awazie to finish. Awazie’s goal marked his second of the season, showcasing Enyimba's attacking depth and quick build-up play that has troubled many defenses this season.

However, Bayelsa United managed to claw back before halftime. A well-placed free kick took a deflection that was just enough to send it past Enyimba’s goalkeeper, Asibe Nathanial. This equalizer frustrated Enyimba, as they had been dominant in the early stages and looked well on their way to securing all three points. Despite their efforts, the team had to settle for the 1-1 scoreline, a result that underscored the unpredictable nature of NPFL fixtures.



Reflecting on the draw, Olanrewaju expressed some disappointment, noting that Enyimba had created sufficient chances to claim victory. He pointed to the late equalizer as a “cheap giveaway” and believed the match was theirs to win if not for that defensive lapse. Yet, he emphasized the importance of the one point gained and the need to shift focus quickly to their home fixture against Remo Stars.

In his tactical breakdown, Olanrewaju highlighted his team’s approach to handling Bayelsa's reliance on long balls. Knowing that Bayelsa would push forward with aerial passes, he instructed his players to control possession and build from the back, keeping the ball on the ground to exploit gaps in Bayelsa’s defense. This approach worked well in the first half, allowing Enyimba to dictate the pace and maintain their composure in possession.

Olanrewaju also expressed frustration with his team's execution in the final third. While they succeeded in reaching promising positions, he noted that their finishing lacked the sharpness needed to break down Bayelsa’s defense further. Despite these missed opportunities, Enyimba displayed resilience, something they will need as they go up against Remo Stars, who are currently enjoying strong form.

Sunday’s match against Remo Stars will be crucial for Enyimba. A win would not only solidify their third-place standing but also bring them level with Remo Stars on points, creating a tighter race at the top of the table. Olanrewaju will undoubtedly be looking for his team to improve their accuracy in the final third and tighten their defense to avoid any more “cheap giveaways.”



Enyimba’s standing on the table currently sees them in 3rd place with 18 points from 10 games. The draw against Bayelsa has left them three points behind both Remo Stars and Rivers United, who share the top spot with 21 points each. A victory on Sunday would therefore be a major step forward in Enyimba's quest for a title challenge this season.

Looking ahead, Olanrewaju is likely to focus on his team’s defensive discipline and composure under pressure. His emphasis on building from the back will be crucial against Remo Stars, a team known for their high-intensity pressing and attacking prowess. Enyimba's ability to control the tempo and create quality chances will be essential if they are to secure a result in Aba.

As the clash with Remo Stars approaches, Enyimba fans will be hoping for a clinical performance from their side. With momentum on their side and a passionate crowd behind them, Enyimba has the chance to put their tactical approach to the test and prove themselves as strong contenders in the NPFL title race.

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