On Sunday, the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba will host a highly anticipated NPFL matchday 13 encounter as the People’s Elephant welcome Wikki Tourist. This fixture marks the 21st top-flight meeting between the two sides, a rivalry that has built up intensity over more than a decade.
Since 2010, Enyimba have established dominance with 10 wins, five draws, and five losses against Wikki Tourist. However, this Sunday’s game holds extra significance for one player in particular — Paul Odey.
The versatile defender, who formerly featured prominently for Wikki Tourist, now proudly wears the blue jersey of Enyimba, Nigeria’s most decorated club with nine league titles. Speaking ahead of the match, Odey expressed confidence and a clear commitment to his current team.
“Enyimba FC is a big club in Nigeria and Africa with high pedigree and everyone wants to be here,” Odey told Enyimba Media. “I’m delighted to be here not just to make up the numbers but to give my quota to ensure the club gets back to where it belongs — the continent.”
Odey admitted the fixture carries both professional pride and personal emotion. “I’m excited about the fixture because Wikki is my former team. If called up to duty, I will surely give it my best shot for the team and for the badge,” he said.
“It will be an emotional game for me because I still have friends in Wikki, but my allegiance for now lies with Enyimba, and I will always give my hundred percent when picked by the Gaffer.”
With Enyimba’s recent strong performances rekindling optimism in the squad, Odey stressed the team’s determination to maintain momentum. “We’ve been putting in our shift in training. The players have worked hard all through the week as we seek to maintain the winning mentality and we are optimistic about getting the desired result.”
He also called on fans and the people of Aba to rally behind the team. “We want to urge the fans and all Abians to come out and cheer us to victory. I’m certain this season will be a good one for us as we are all working hard to return the team back to the continent.”
Sunday’s meeting is more than just another fixture. It is a contest defined by identity, pride, history, and ambition. As Enyimba continue their revival this season, a motivated squad and a defender with something to prove suggest the People’s Elephant are ready to make a bold statement on home soil.
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