2024/2025 NPFL second stanza: Eguma promises better team ahead of season opener

Posted : 01 January 2025

Enyimba FC’s winless streak stretched to five games after a frustrating 0-0 draw against Insurance FC in a Matchday 19 encounter at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.

In what was Coach Stanley Eguma’s first game in charge of the People’s Elephant, the team showed glimpses of promise but was ultimately let down by poor finishing in front of goal.

The nine-time NPFL champions dominated the game, creating numerous opportunities but lacked the clinical edge needed to secure all three points.

A visibly disappointed Eguma rued the missed chances, attributing them to anxiety and a lack of confidence among his young players.

“It wasn’t a bad game; we had a lot of scoring chances which we couldn’t convert,” Eguma admitted during the post-match press conference. “I can attribute that to an inferiority complex on the side of some players and some being jittery.”

Enyimba’s build-up play from the back was fluid, and they managed to carve open the Insurance defense on multiple occasions, but their profligacy in the final third left their fans frustrated.

“We created a lot of chances building from the rear, but in the final third, when it got to finishing, our conversion rate was poor,” Eguma said.

“I think we can play as a team, but we need to do some attacking tactical operations to get the goals coming.”

The result leaves Enyimba with significant work to do, not just in the league but also ahead of their upcoming continental clash against Mozambique’s Black Bulls FC.

Eguma acknowledged the pressure of preparing for such a crucial game, particularly with his team’s lack of composure in front of goal.

“CAF games are entirely different ball games,” he said. “We have a couple of days to get prepared and ready for the encounter.”

Despite the disappointing result, Eguma expressed optimism about the team’s potential, noting that the young squad is still adapting to his philosophy.

He hinted at possible reinforcements during the mid-season transfer window to address the attacking deficiencies.

“The players are relatively young, but they can adapt quickly,” Eguma observed. “We will work with the management when the window opens to plug the loopholes, especially in the attacking area.”

The draw against Insurance FC leaves Enyimba sitting in mid-table with three outstanding games, a far cry from the lofty expectations that come with being Nigeria’s most successful club.

However, Eguma remains confident that his side will bounce back stronger when the second stanza of the 2024/25 NPFL season resumes.

For now, the focus shifts to Sunday’s CAF Champions League clash, where Enyimba will look to rediscover their killer instinct and restore some pride on the continental stage.

2024/2025 NPFL second stanza: Eguma promises better team ahead of season opener

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