Enyimba new coach, Stanley Eguma has described the club’s dominant victory over Black Bulls in the CAF Confederation Cup Group game in Uyo as a new year gift to Nigerians.
Enyimba FC delivered a commanding performance to secure their first CAF Confederation Cup group stage victory in style, thrashing Mozambique’s Associação Black Blulls FC 4-1 in an electrifying clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
The Aba-based giants came out with intent, starting the game with the urgency of a team eager to make a statement. Their relentless high pressing bore fruit early when the energetic Joseph Atule capitalized to slot home the opener. However, the visitors responded swiftly, punishing a defensive lapse with a counter-attacking equalizer.
But Enyimba refused to be rattled. Their attacking quartet of Atule, Ekene Awazie, Ifeanyi Ihemekwele, and Akani Elijah overwhelmed the Maputo-based side. Ihemekwele restored the lead with a composed finish just before halftime, sending the home fans into raptures.
The second half continued in the same vein, with Enyimba dominating proceedings but squandering a host of chances. Awazie and Atule were guilty of missing clear-cut opportunities. However, the introduction of veteran forward Brown Ideye in the latter stages proved to be a game-changer.
Ideye, making his debut for the team at the continent, showcased his class by rounding the goalkeeper and scoring from an acute angle after a sublime through ball from Atule. Minutes later, Atule added his second of the night, calmly slotting home after being teed up by substitute, Kalu Nweke to seal the emphatic victory.
Reflecting on the match, head coach, Stanley Eguma, who recently took over the reigns, described the victory as a significant morale boost for the team and a gift to Nigerian football fans.
“I will say that this result is like a New Year gift to Nigerians because Nigerians have been yearning for this kind of result in the continent,” Eguma said in his post-match press conference.
Eguma admitted that he faced challenges upon taking charge but emphasized the importance of building a winning mentality within the squad.
“Actually, when I joined the team a few days ago, what I met on ground, I wasn’t comfortable. I’ve been in the continent and I know what it takes to compete here. I spoke with the management and told them a lot needed to be done. Some key players were injured, but it didn’t perturb me. I had to work with the ones available.”
The coach also hailed Ideye’s impact, even as the striker works towards full match fitness.
“Brown Ideye, we all know him as a household name. His presence is a big plus to the team. He might not be fully fit because he just joined the team, but it’s a gradual process. In the near future, he will add more to the team.”
Eguma praised the team’s ability to adapt despite missing several key players, including holding midfielder Daniel Daga, who is on his way to Europe.
“We had to improvise at the holding midfield position due to injuries, and Daga’s absence. We used Innocent Gabriel, a center-back, and he delivered. Today, we’ve been able to raise the pace and change to a winning mentality.
The victory propels Enyimba back into contention in Group D, with their next challenge being a rescheduled NPFL match against Nasarawa United in Aba on Wednesday. They will then return to Uyo to host Egypt’s Al Masry in a must-win clash on Sunday in the CAF Confederation Cup.
With renewed confidence and a tactical overhaul under Coach Eguma, Enyimba are showing glimpses of the powerhouse they aim to become once again on the continental stage.
