Enyimba FC closed out the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season in emphatic fashion, defeating Elkanemi Warriors 3-0 at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, on Sunday.
Veteran forward Stanley Dimgba led the charge with a first-half brace as the nine-time champions secured their top-flight status on the final day.
Playing before a passionate home crowd despite heavy rain at the Elephant Park, the People’s Elephant produced one of their most convincing displays of the campaign. Enyimba dominated from the outset, combining determination with attacking intent against the Desert Warriors.
Dimgba opened the scoring in the 27th minute, finishing calmly after Chidera Michael’s penetrating run into the box. He doubled the lead ten minutes later, converting after Wonah Williams flicked on an incisive attacking move. The Aba giants maintained control throughout, displaying fluid passing and relentless pressing despite the challenging conditions.
Full-back Uwana Asuquo added a third in the 87th minute, finishing neatly from Ufere Chinedu’s well-delivered free kick to complete the rout. The victory lifted Enyimba to 11th place on 49 points, confirming their NPFL status for next season.
Speaking after the match, head coach Emmanuel Deutsch Gustavo described the result as crucial for both the club and the state.
“It was a very important match, not just for the club but for all Abians. I stated on arrival that Enyimba could not be relegated, and today we proved it. I have to take the credit, the Cameroonian tactician said
Looking ahead to the President Federation Cup, Deutsch struck a cautious note. “For the Federation Cup, it’s one game at a time. Our primary aim was to stay in the league, but we will see how far we can go in the cup.”
Enyimba now turn their attention to the Round of 32 tie against Gombe United in Makurdi on Monday, June 1, 2026.
With survival secured and confidence high, the club’s supporters will hope the team can carry this momentum into the knockout competition.
Source/Enyimba Media
