Enyimba FC sent a resounding message to their Federation Cup rivals with a ruthless 5-0 demolition of El-Shama FC of Gombe in their Round of 64 clash at the Lafia City Stadium on Wednesday.
The four-time Nigerian cup champions wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Ekene Awazie firing them ahead as early as the 3rd minute. The early goal set the tone for a masterclass in attacking football, as Quadri Olusokanmi opened his account for the club in the 18th minute, capitalizing on Enyimba’s relentless pressure.
With the People’s Elephant in full flow, it was Chidiebere Nnachi and the mercurial Obichere Odinaka who ran the show on the flanks, tormenting El-Shama’s defense. Awazie completed his brace in the 32nd minute before Nnachi got in on the act just two minutes later, finishing off a slick assist from Odinaka to make it 4-0 before halftime.
Coach Stanley Eguma, who had opted for fresh legs on the wings after their NPFL battle with Ikorodu City, saw his tactical adjustments pay off in devastating fashion. Even with multiple second-half substitutions, Enyimba’s tempo remained unrelenting, and Nnachi put the icing on the cake with his second goal in the 64th minute to seal a five-star performance.
With this emphatic victory, Enyimba storm into the next round of the 2025 Presidents Federation Cup, set for April 2nd.
Meanwhile, following the partnership deal with Nigeria United Airlines, the People’s Elephant wasted no time in shifting focus back to the NPFL, as they headed straight to Abuja for their Thursday flight to Aba via Owerri. There, they will resume preparations for their crucial matchday 30 showdown against Bayelsa United on Sunday.
With confidence sky-high and firepower in abundance, Enyimba looks poised to continue their charge on multiple fronts as they chase domestic glory.
