Traditionally, away wins in the league are a precious treasure, cherished far more than any home team’s offensive masterpiece. When Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) Matchday results are published online, armchair pundits scour the scores, eagerly searching for that elusive away victory. It is their go-to metric to judge the league’s competitiveness, a flawed measure perhaps, but one that underscores the value placed on these hard-fought wins.
Enyimba’s away win at the weekend was an exceptional performance, made even sweeter by the fact that it was an Oriental Derby – a notoriously feisty encounter that only added to the thrill of victory. I’m unapologetically biased, and I make no secret of my admiration for Coach Yema and his team. But beyond my fandom, I want to delve into the tactics that made this win possible. Here are the key factors from that game that showcases a blueprint for away day success in the NPFL.
Before we dive in, a crucial disclaimer: your nice little plan is contingent on the right circumstances. For instance, If you face a team that’s highly motivated and determined to defeat the away team, you may need to double your efforts to secure a win. The stage of the season also plays a significant role- toward the end of the season, winning away is traditionally harder. On your own part, your team must exhibit the right balance of offensive and defensive discipline and awareness, providing the foundation for success. Without these essential factors, even the best-laid plans can unravel.
All that said, Let’s get right into it.
Trying the Long Range
Scoring as the away team isn’t just about outsmarting defenders and the goalkeeper; it’s about conquering the hostile crowd, the goalposts, and even the referees on a tough day. The smart way to bypass a tight – and often nonexistent – offside trap? Unleash a long-range shot. We witnessed this magic firsthand as our team avoided relying solely on close-range efforts. In fact, we had a goal disallowed for offside in the first half, prompting us to launch our long-range missiles. Kalu Nweke and Daniel Daga, among others, showcased this skill to perfection, leaving Owerri feeling the sting. Preparing for an away game? Incorporate long-range strikes into your training – that might just do it for you!
Overcoming the inevitable Adversity
The average away team is never far from adversity; it’s almost second nature. Conceding early, having legit goals ruled off, questionable calls, unpunished tackles; Oh yea, throw in INEC too – the away team faces a barrage of hurdles. These familiar frustrations can become suffocating, causing heads to drop and minds to surrender. Enyimba faced similar travails in Owerri, with a disallowed goal in the first half and conceding early in the second. Yet, the boys showed remarkable composure. After Heartland scored, Ifeanyi Ihemekwele’s equalizer provided the perfect adrenaline boost, stemming the tide and turning the game in our favour.
Going for the Win
Ifeanyi’s goal brought us level, but Yema and his boys wanted more than a point. Sensing Heartland’s vulnerability, we seized the initiative. The equalizer was the catalyst; the team knew they had to deliver the knockout blow. Two more goals shattered any comeback contemplations. While many away teams would settle for a ‘precious away point’ and defend, title-chasing teams are driven by the dream of success, not fear of failure. However, against stronger opposition, this approach might backfire, so choose your battles wisely.
So, there you have it, my recipe for away joy days in the NPFL. Thanks for attending my Ted Talks
‘EnyimbaEnyi!
My man big Sam. Good to see you bro