Enyimba FC may have secured all three points in their NPFL Matchday 22 encounter against Lobi Stars, but head coach Stanley Eguma is cautious in his praise for the team’s performance. Despite their 1-0 victory, which was sealed by a solitary strike from in-form forward Ifeanyi Ihemekwele, Eguma insists that the team is still a work in progress and far from the finished product.
The goal, which came in the second half, was a result of brilliant vision from Ufere Chinedu, who delivered a perfect assist to Ihemekwele. The strike was enough to secure all three points, much to the delight of Enyimba’s fans, who have been yearning for consistency from their team. However, while the victory was crucial, Coach Eguma remained grounded in his assessment of the match.
Despite the win, Enyimba’s performance was far from flawless. The team could have made their task easier had they been more clinical in front of goal. Striker Joseph Atule, who was facing his boyhood club, missed two golden opportunities, while debutant Michael Nelson squandered a clear chance after coming on as a substitute. These missed chances left Lobi Stars with a glimmer of hope for a potential comeback, but Enyimba’s defense held firm.
The defensive unit, led by stand-in captain Ani Ozoemena, who also serves as the CHAN Eagles goalkeeper, played a crucial role in preserving the clean sheet. Ozoemena’s leadership at the back ensured that Lobi Stars were unable to capitalize on the missed opportunities, and Enyimba walked away with the victory. The team's backline's resolute performance was a key takeaway from the match.
After the final whistle, Coach Eguma acknowledged the importance of the win but emphasized that the team is still evolving. “We drew at home and came here to win, which shows no two games are the same,” Eguma remarked, highlighting the unpredictable nature of football and the need for Enyimba to continue improving. “We are still working, still trying to understand our players, and the players are still trying to understand my philosophy. It’s a work in progress. With time, we will get better, but it’s not yet time for celebration,” he added.
Eguma's words reflected the ongoing transformation at Enyimba FC. While the team’s attacking and defensive performances showed promise, the coach made it clear that there is still much work to be done before they can be considered a top-tier team. This win was a step forward, but it was only a small part of the bigger picture that Eguma is working to build.
The victory saw Enyimba move slightly up the NPFL standings, but Eguma is keenly aware that there is still a long road ahead. “We are not happy with our position on the log. We have to do something to move up,” he stated, acknowledging that the team’s current position is not where they expect to be. “I am happy we moved a bit with this win, and I congratulate the players for their effort. But we need to push harder in upcoming games to ensure a steady climb,” Eguma continued, stressing the importance of maintaining momentum.
Looking ahead, Enyimba’s next challenge comes against Akwa United, who have been struggling this season, at the Nest of Champions in Uyo. With the NPFL title race heating up, Eguma is hopeful that his “work in progress” will start to show more polished and consistent performances as the season progresses. The coach is determined to keep improving and fine-tuning his squad to ensure they can compete at the highest level.
As Enyimba prepares for their upcoming fixture, Coach Eguma will be focusing on refining the team’s attacking and defensive strategies. He knows that the road to success requires continuous development and that the team must remain focused and consistent to climb further up the NPFL standings.
In conclusion, while the win against Lobi Stars was vital, Coach Stanley Eguma’s perspective on Enyimba FC’s progress highlights the reality that the team is still finding its rhythm. With time, continued hard work, and a commitment to improvement, Enyimba FC will aim to fulfill their potential and make a strong push for the top of the NPFL table.
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