Enyimba coach, Eguma, praises team performance in goalless draw with Abia Warriors

By Emmanuel Chinedu in Umuahia Reporting for Extrasportnigeria.com

The much-anticipated Abia Derby between Abia Warriors and Enyimba FC was a true spectacle, living up to its reputation for drama and intensity.

Despite the high stakes, the two teams couldn’t find the back of the net, with the match ending in a goalless stalemate. The absence of goals, however, did nothing to dull the excitement of the encounter.

From the first blast of the whistle, the home side came hunting, attacking with urgency down the flanks and trying to unsettle the Enyimba backline. But each time they threatened, the People’s Elephant stood tall.

Goalkeeper Kelvin Ogunga produced a massive point-blank save to deny Suraj Lawal, who came close to open the scoring for the host, but was saved by the Enyimba goalkeeper – a moment that kept Enyimba fully alive in the derby.

The tempo intensified in the second half as Enyimba pushed forward, probing for that decisive breakthrough. But like every classic derby, both teams neutralized each other, turning the contest into a tactical chess match.

The result? The fourth goalless draw between both sides since 2014 — a testament to just how tight this rivalry remains.

Speaking shortly after the encounter, Enyimba head Coach Stanley Eguma,  commended the players  for their discipline and composure throughout the battle.

“It was generally a good game; the two teams played a high tactical game,”

Eguma noted, praising the level of commitment on both sides.

“We are happy to have gotten the draw although we planned for the maximum points, but we met a stubborn side in Abia Warriors.”

Eguma remains optimistic, highlighting the positives as Enyimba continues their NPFL campaign.

“Our opponents are a good side, no doubt, and my boys played according to our game plan. We will continue to build on the progress in our subsequent games.”

Next stop for the People’s Elephant, will be a home clash against Wikki Tourist in an NPFL Matchday 13 clash, next Sunday, November 16, at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.