Enyimba FC were left to rue missed opportunities after being held to a 0–0 draw by 10-man Barau FC at the Enyimba International Stadium on Sunday in their Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 21 fixture.
Just as in the reverse encounter on the opening day of the season in Kano, both sides cancelled each other out, this time under the Aba sun, despite Enyimba enjoying a numerical advantage for much of the second half.
Barau FC, making their debut season in the top flight, were reduced to 10 men midway through the second half when one of their players received a second yellow card for a challenge on Onyebuchi Nwaorisa. The dismissal tilted the game firmly in Enyimba’s favour, but the hosts failed to translate dominance into goals.
The People’s Elephant pressed relentlessly, pinning Barau back and forcing openings, yet clear chances went begging. Enyimba also felt hard done by after two strong penalty appeals were waved away by the referee.
Speaking after the match, Enyimba Technical Adviser Deji Ayeni admitted the result was disappointing but stressed the need for a quick mental reset.
“I feel so bad indeed because there are three outcomes in football, win, draw or lose, but the rationale behind the result is what brings the sad expression,” Ayeni said.
“We have played the game and we cannot reverse it, so we will go back and start thinking about how to fine tune those things that went wrong. The team needs strong psychology to return to a winning mentality, and we will work on that ahead of our next game.”
Ayeni introduced fresh legs after the red card, and Enyimba sustained pressure for long spells. However, anxiety in the final third proved costly.
“The boys were nervous because they were eager to win the game,” he explained.
“The substitutions brought positives, we sustained pressure and created chances, but the anxiety in front of goal affected us. There were also some calls that did not go in our favour, which I do not like talking about.”
Despite the dropped points at home, Ayeni remained upbeat, insisting the squad has the quality to recover.
“I am a very positive-minded person. I believe in progression, not stagnation,” he said.
“When hard work does not bring results, you look inward to find the cause. I will go deep to find solutions. With 17 games to go, I am convinced we can fix the issues. We have won games with these same players and we are still strengthening the team.”
Enyimba now turn their attention to a demanding spell on the road, starting with an away trip to Niger Tornadoes in Minna on Sunday, followed by a midweek clash against Nasarawa United in Lafia.
The stalemate in Aba may feel like a missed opportunity, but under Ayeni’s guidance, belief remains that Enyimba can rediscover their cutting edge as the season unfolds.
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