Enyimba FC started their campaign in the 7th Ifeanyi Ekwueme Tico/Select Preseason Tournament with a commanding 5-2 victory over NLO side Inter Aba FC at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.
The People's Elephant, under a rebuilding phase, wasted no time in making their presence felt. Abraham Michael opened the scoring in the first minute after capitalising on high pressing from the Enyimba forwards.
Nwaolise Onyebuchi, formerly of Edel FC, added a second in the 4th minute, converting a well-placed cut-back from overlapping full-back Joel Ezra. Despite early dominance, a lapse in Enyimba's defence allowed Inter Aba to pull one back through a penalty in the 29th minute, calmly converted by Odinaka Ogbugbe.
Abraham restored Enyimba’s two-goal lead just four minutes later, bagging his brace in the 33rd minute to make it 3-1 before the break.
The second half brought immediate impact from Enyimba’s bench as Aniebet Sunday, Bassey John, and Williams Wonnah replaced Quadri Olusunkanmi, Abraham Michael, and Eze Chibuzo. Bassey nodded in Enyimba's fourth goal in the 61st minute from another precise Joel Ezra cross.
Aniebet Sunday then rounded off the scoring for the Aba club in the 79th minute, converting Bassey’s headed assist. Inter Aba grabbed a consolation from the penalty spot late on, with Chinweke Dick making it 5-2 after a clumsy challenge in the box.
Reacting after the match, Inter Aba coach, Deco, praised his team’s resilience and ability to score twice against the former CAF Champions League winners. Enyimba’s stand-in coach, Ndubuisi Nduka, said the team was making steady progress and identified key areas for improvement.
Enyimba will face Heartland FC on Sunday at 4pm in an Oriental derby clash. Earlier fixtures on the same day will see KMK Foundation Academy face Inter Aba at 10am, while Kun Khalifat take on Excellence FA at 2pm. All matches will be held at the Enyimba International Stadium.
0 Comments