Enyimba held to 0-0 stalemate in Eguma’s first game

Ayomide Akinkuade
4 Min Read

The Stanley Eguma era at Enyimba began with a 0-0 draw against Bendel insurance at the Enyimba International Stadium, Abia state on Tuesday.

The new gaffer made only one change from the side that also drew 0-0 against Plateau United in the previous fixture as Ani Ozoemena returned from national duties to start in goal. Meanwhile, new signing, Brown Ideye was named on the bench as he geared up for his debut match.

Enyimba began the first half brilliantly as they dominated the game and created several chances with the intention of breaking the deadlock early. However, they were kept out by Joshua Baba who made some great saves to keep the scores level. Daniel Daga had the chance to score the first goal but his shot hit the crossbar with the goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

The second half continued in the same fashion as Enyimba sought for an important goal to begin Eguma’s era in style. However, the defense of the away team remained resolute and Baba remained unbeatable in front of goal.

Brown Ideye came on for his debut in the 84th minute as he was brought on alongside Chukwudi Nwaodu to replace Ihemekwele Ifeanyi and Ufere Chinedu. Three minutes after coming on, Ideye had a chance to score on his debut, however, he was kept out by the impressive Joshua Baba.

The game eventually ended 0-0, Enyimba’s third goalless draw in their last five matches. The team is now on a 10 game winless run, a terrible streak that they will be hoping to end as soon as possible.

Speaking after the game, new signing Ideye expressed optimism about the team, indicating that the season was only at the half stage: “For me we still have a lot to learn, the league is still young, this is just the first round coming to an end. We still have the second round so we have to work together as a team and make sure we correct our mistakes. We have to work in front of goal and do our best to come out with good results,” he said.

Enyimba held to 0-0 stalemate in Eguma’s first game
Brown Ideye (left)

Ideye also talked on the potential of the league, asserting that his presence and that of others who would join will be good for the NPFL: “I feel like we can’t compete with European leagues, but we will get there soon. I feel like a player like me coming back is something good and I receive a lot of messages from other players abroad who wish to play in the league, so I think it’s something good,” he revealed.

With the draw, Enyimba are now up to 9th on the table with 24 points in 16 games. Meanwhile, Bendel Insurance continue their impressive form as they are now unbeaten in five games and climb up to 15th on the table with 21 points in 19 games.

Enyimba’s next game is against the Black Bulls Maputo who defeated them 3-0 in the corresponding fixture. The team will have less than a week to prepare and get ready for the Confederations Cup clash as they seek revenge and a chance to climb the table.

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