Enyimba FC stormed to a commanding 3-0 win over Katsina United at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, on Sunday, Matchday 34 of the NPFL, sparking fresh hope among the Peoples Elephant fans as they intensify their survival push.
With the season entering its decisive stretch, the nine time champions made a loud statement of intent, combining ruthless finishing with disciplined defending to claim a vital three points and move further away from the relegation danger zone.
The People’s Elephant struck early and with purpose, as Stanley Dimgba opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, sending the Aba crowd into celebration. The pressure continued to mount on the visitors, and it was Enyimba’s in form goal machine, Chidera Michael who doubled the advantage in the 31st minute with a clinical finish, his 10th of the season.
Enyimba carried their momentum into the second half and sealed the emphatic victory through Wonah Williams, who rose from the bench alongside Kalu Nweke and Okechukwu Samuel to grab his first goal in Enyimba colours to cap a memorable afternoon for the home side.
One of the defining moments of the match arrived with Enyimba leading 2-0, when Katsina United were handed a penalty that could have swung the tide. But goalkeeper Kelvin Ogunga rose to the occasion with a brilliant save, denying Uche Collins and preserving Enyimba’s dominance in the contest.
After the match, Enyimba FC Technical Adviser, Coach Emmanuel Deutsch Gustavo, expressed delight with the performance but quickly issued a warning that the job is far from finished.
“Yeah, I feel very happy and comfortable… happy for the result because I must say it’s not yet over. We still have four games and must continue working hard,” Deutsch said.
The Cameronian tactician praised his players for their discipline and resilience under pressure, highlighting the collective contribution that delivered the convincing win.
“The player’s character was good. The goal scorers did their job, the keeper saved the penalty, he did his own job… and I think if we can continue like this, we will get it done,” he added.
Coach Deutsch admitted there were moments of lost concentration, but commended the squad for staying strong and delivering a performance worthy of the club’s loyal supporters.
“At some point we lost concentration, but it’s part of the game. I commend the players for staying strong and making the fans and supporters happy,” he noted.
Attention now shifts to Enyimba’s busy week, as the Nigerian giants will first face Foster Academy in the Abia State FA Cup fixture on Tuesday before returning to league business in a mouth watering Oriental Derby clash against Rangers International at the Cathedral next Sunday in Enugu.
Coach Deutsch emphasized that the focus must remain sharp as the final stretch of the season approaches.
With four matches left to navigate, Enyimba’s emphatic victory over Katsina United may have boosted confidence, but the message from the dugout remains clear: the battle is not yet won.
