Enyimba, Kwara battle for top spot
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- Written by Orkula Shaagee
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Even with a shortened bench, current league leaders Enyimba Football Club of Aba keeps getting quality results from the Nigeria Premier League this football season.
It could be even thinner against Kwara United who are third on the log on Sunday, but there is little reason to think they will not keep winning.
The Aba soccer lords who humbled Lobi Stars of Makurdi in their week 21 encounter have refused to look back, with another away draw last Wednesday against Shooting Stars of Ibadan whom they held to a goalless draw at the Adamasingba Stadium.
Against Kwara United who are equally enjoying a good football season, since the arrival of veteran soccer tactician Justin Tenger, Enyimba may face the daunting task of overcoming a team that has also posted good away results this season.
However, Enyimba, who drew their first game of the season at home to Lobi Stars, will rely heavily on home support from the vociferous Aba soccer fans to subdue their today’s opponents.
No doubt, a winner in this tie will take it all, as a win for the home side would consolidate their hold onto the leadership of the league table, same for Kwara who will become league leaders with 42 as against Enyimba’s current 41 points if they win weekend’s tie.
After the win in Makurdi, Enyimba Chairman, Felix Anyansi Agwu boasted that the two-time CAF Champions League title winners are not looking back in their effort to claim the league shield.
“Enyimba is not looking back on its desire to claim the league shield this season, especially now that we are back on top of the league table after taking a break.
“Our absence on international stage also affected our dull start to the league this season, but I want to assure you that now that we are returning to the continental stage, we need to rebuild our team.
“Our teeming supporters should wait and see what we will do in the next few weeks, we have not got it right yet but we are in the process, and in a matter of days they are going to0 see Enyimba of old bounce back”, Agwu had boasted.
The Aba side will no doubt parade a team with a delightful wining pattern to extend their lead at the top of the table against Kwara and Kano Pillars.
Coach Okey Emordi, who calls the shots at Enyimba is expected to parade skilful and ball winners like Uga Okpara, Andrew Ighado, Tochukwu Mbachu and Uche Kalu, as well as experienced goaltender Chijioke Ejiogu to ward off attacking forays from the Kwara side that is known for scoring goals.
On his part, Kwara Coach Justin Tenger said he is not afraid of Enyimba’s invincibility at home, as he has his eyes set on wining the Aba tie.
According to Tenger, Kwara boasts of experienced players who will combine well with the younger ones to cause heart break to the home side with a resounding victory on Sunday; adding that the club has put behind it the woeful experience of the match against Kano Pillars and is now focused on claiming the league crown.
Apart from ageless Isiaka Olawale who has garnered enough experience playing for the home Eagles and the national beach soccer team, Kwara also parades skilful and gifted players like Ukeyima Akombu who can turn the table against the hosts.
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Enyimba, Kwara battle for top spot
Category: Sports Written by Orkula Shaagee Hits: 606
Even with a shortened bench, current league leaders Enyimba Football Club of Aba keeps getting quality results from the Nigeria Premier League this football season.
It could be even thinner against Kwara United who are third on the log on Sunday, but there is little reason to think they will not keep winning.
The Aba soccer lords who humbled Lobi Stars of Makurdi in their week 21 encounter have refused to look back, with another away draw last Wednesday against Shooting Stars of Ibadan whom they held to a goalless draw at the Adamasingba Stadium.
Against Kwara United who are equally enjoying a good football season, since the arrival of veteran soccer tactician Justin Tenger, Enyimba may face the daunting task of overcoming a team that has also posted good away results this season.
However, Enyimba, who drew their first game of the season at home to Lobi Stars, will rely heavily on home support from the vociferous Aba soccer fans to subdue their today’s opponents.
No doubt, a winner in this tie will take it all, as a win for the home side would consolidate their hold onto the leadership of the league table, same for Kwara who will become league leaders with 42 as against Enyimba’s current 41 points if they win weekend’s tie.
After the win in Makurdi, Enyimba Chairman, Felix Anyansi Agwu boasted that the two-time CAF Champions League title winners are not looking back in their effort to claim the league shield.
“Enyimba is not looking back on its desire to claim the league shield this season, especially now that we are back on top of the league table after taking a break.
“Our absence on international stage also affected our dull start to the league this season, but I want to assure you that now that we are returning to the continental stage, we need to rebuild our team.
“Our teeming supporters should wait and see what we will do in the next few weeks, we have not got it right yet but we are in the process, and in a matter of days they are going to0 see Enyimba of old bounce back”, Agwu had boasted.
The Aba side will no doubt parade a team with a delightful wining pattern to extend their lead at the top of the table against Kwara and Kano Pillars.
Coach Okey Emordi, who calls the shots at Enyimba is expected to parade skilful and ball winners like Uga Okpara, Andrew Ighado, Tochukwu Mbachu and Uche Kalu, as well as experienced goaltender Chijioke Ejiogu to ward off attacking forays from the Kwara side that is known for scoring goals.
On his part, Kwara Coach Justin Tenger said he is not afraid of Enyimba’s invincibility at home, as he has his eyes set on wining the Aba tie.
According to Tenger, Kwara boasts of experienced players who will combine well with the younger ones to cause heart break to the home side with a resounding victory on Sunday; adding that the club has put behind it the woeful experience of the match against Kano Pillars and is now focused on claiming the league crown.
Apart from ageless Isiaka Olawale who has garnered enough experience playing for the home Eagles and the national beach soccer team, Kwara also parades skilful and gifted players like Ukeyima Akombu who can turn the table against the hosts.