By Chigozie Chukwuleta
The curtain raiser to the 2025/2026 NPFL season has been a rollercoaster ride for El-Kanemi Warriors FC, with the Maiduguri-based club showcasing a mix of brilliance and brutality on the pitch. As the first stanza comes to a close, the Borno State darlings sit comfortably in 11th position on the league table, with 25 points from 19 matches.
Unbeaten at Home: A Fortress to Reckon With
El-Kanemi Warriors FC’s home form has been nothing short of spectacular. The team has been almost unbeatable at the El-Kanemi Stadium, recording six wins and three draws in their nine home matches. The stadium has truly become a fortress, with the Warriors intimidating their opponents with their passion and skill.
Away Struggles: A Cause for Concern
However, the team’s away form has been a major concern. El-Kanemi Warriors FC managed just one win and one draw in their nine away matches, losing eight times. The team’s inability to pick up points on the road has dented their title aspirations, and they will need to work on their away form if they are to challenge for the top spot. Ending the first stanza with a hard-earned away victory against Bayelsa United is a sign of better days ahead. The coaches must hold on to the magic wand.
Hakeem Otuyiga: The Wall Between the Posts
One of the standout performers for El-Kanemi Warriors FC has been goalkeeper Hakeem Otuyiga. The shot-stopper has been in scintillating form, keeping eight clean sheets and producing a string of impressive performances. His display against Bayelsa United was particularly noteworthy, and he has earned recognition as one of the best goalkeepers in the league.
Attacking Flair
The team’s attacking unit has also shown promise, with Daddy A leading the charge with five goals. Jonal E has chipped in with four goals, while Muktar Ismail has scored twice. The team’s attacking flair has been a highlight of their season so far, and they will look to continue scoring goals in the second stanza.
Disciplinary Record
El-Kanemi Warriors FC has been fairly disciplined this season, receiving 12 yellow cards and one red card. The team will look to maintain their discipline in the second stanza, as they bid to make a strong push for the top spot.
The Road Ahead
As the team looks forward to the second stanza, they are determined to improve their performance and make a strong push for the top spot. With their passionate fans behind them, El-Kanemi Warriors FC will be looking to make a statement in the second half of the season.
The team will need to work on their away form and improve their goal-scoring record if they are to challenge for the title. However, with their talented squad and experienced coaching staff, there is no reason why El-Kanemi Warriors FC cannot achieve great things in the second stanza.
Conclusion
El-Kanemi Warriors FC’s first stanza may not have been perfect, but it has been a promising start to the season. With their passionate fans behind them, the team will look to make a strong push for the top spot in the second stanza. The future looks bright for the Maiduguri-based club, and they will be looking to make a statement in the NPFL.
With additional reports from Club Media
