Enyimba FC head coach Stanley Eguma expressed frustration after his team’s 2-0 defeat to Kwara United in a rescheduled 2024/25 NPFL Matchday 16 clash at the Kwara State Sports Complex, Ilorin. Wasiu Alalade opened the scoring for Kwara United with a sixth minute penalty, and James Aiyemofu added a second in the 35th minute.
This defeat marked Enyimba’s third consecutive loss across all competitions, following a 3-1 loss to Zamalek in the CAF Champions League and a 2-0 defeat to Kano Pillars. During this challenging period, the team has conceded seven goals and scored just once.
Eguma attributed the loss to missed scoring opportunities and the early penalty, which he believes unsettled his players. “We missed too many scoring chances. When you fail to take your chances in a game, you’re bound to be punished,” Eguma said. “The early goal we conceded through the penalty unsettled the team. It’s unfortunate because this is a game we should have won.”
The coach noted an improvement in the second half but lamented his players’ inability to convert chances. “We took charge of the game in the second half, but the misses were just too much today,” he added.
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Eguma also highlighted the toll of the congested fixture schedule on his squad. Enyimba played three matches in one week, travelling from Egypt to Kano and then to Ilorin, with another game scheduled against Heartland in Aba on Thursday. “These players are human beings; they need time to rest,” Eguma remarked, calling for better coordination between NPFL organisers and CAF to align fixture schedules more effectively.
Editorial
Enyimba’s struggles against Kwara United reflect broader challenges in Nigerian football, where fixture congestion often undermines team performance. Stanley Eguma’s comments highlight the need for better planning and support from organisers to ease the strain on clubs representing the country in continental competitions.
Missed opportunities in front of goal remain a recurring theme for Enyimba. While the team showed glimpses of control in the second half, their inability to finish chances raises questions about tactical adjustments and player focus during critical moments.
Fixture congestion adds another layer of complexity. Constant travel and a lack of recovery time not only impact performance but also increase the risk of injuries. Eguma’s call for alignment between NPFL and CAF calendars is a sensible solution that could improve the competitiveness of Nigerian clubs in both domestic and international competitions.
As fans, we hope Enyimba regains its form and demonstrates resilience in the upcoming matches. With proper adjustments and support, the team can overcome this rough patch and reassert its dominance in Nigerian football.
Did You Know?
- Enyimba is the most successful Nigerian club in CAF competitions, having won the CAF Champions League twice 2003 and 2004.
- Wasiu Alalade, who scored Kwara United’s opening goal, is a former Enyimba player.
- Enyimba’s current three-game losing streak is one of their worst runs in recent years.
- The Kwara State Sports Complex in Ilorin is one of the oldest football venues in Nigeria, hosting numerous NPFL games.
- Stanley Eguma previously led Rivers United to NPFL success before joining Enyimba as their technical adviser.
