Enyimba FC striker, Brown Ideye, has expressed strong confidence that the People’s Elephant will see off the challenge of Bayelsa United in their NPFL Matchday 30 clash this Sunday in Aba.
The former Super Eagles forward, who joined the Aba giants in December, believes Enyimba’s recent eased schedule adjustment will give them the edge over their Yenagoa-based opponents.
Both sides have met 11 times since 2010 with the Aba giants winning in 5 occasions leaving the Yenegoa side with only 2 wins while 4 encounters ended in a draw.
The last time the “Restoration Boys” came to town last season the tie ended in stalemate, something the Coach Stanley Eguma side wouldn’t want to repeat knowing that it was same in Yenegoa early this season.
“I knew we would get to this point because, since November last year, the team never had a good rest, playing every three or four days,” Ideye told Enyimba Media. “Right now, it’s better—they have their rest and play weekly. That gives us the edge to plan and win games.”
Enyimba, who are in the hunt for a return to continental football, will be banking on their home form to secure maximum points, but Ideye warns that the game won’t be a walk in the park.
“The game against Bayelsa United won’t be easy. You know how difficult it has been playing at home—we drew a lot of games here,” he admitted. “But if we approach the game positively, I see us winning.”
The experienced striker, who has already netted twice for Enyimba this season, will miss the crucial fixture due to family commitments but remains optimistic about the team’s chances.
“It’s really sad I won’t be available for this game. I have some family emergencies to take care of. I still have some friends in the Bayelsa team, and it would have been nice to play against them, but my family needs me now.”
Meanwhile, with the NPFL title race heating up, Ideye sees Remo Stars as the team to beat but insists Enyimba can still secure a continental ticket with a strong finish.
“For me, I think Remo Stars have a better chance of winning the league, but in football, you can’t predict what happens. The title is theirs to lose,” he said.
However, the former West Bromwich Albion striker remains bullish about Enyimba’s prospects of returning to continental football.
“For Enyimba picking a continental spot, it’s possible. If we win all our remaining home games and get good results on the road, I see us getting back to the continent.”
With Enyimba in fine form and Ideye’s confidence radiating through the squad, the People’s Elephant will look to charge past Bayelsa United and take another step towards their continental dream.
Enyimba is currently 8th on the log and faces Bayelsa United who are 13th on Sunday at the Enyimba Int’l Stadium, Aba by 4pm.
