Many followers of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) will say it is early days to talk about the title challenge. But I have chosen to start it anyway. However, the big question is ‘can Enyimba become the first side to reach double figures of NPFL title?’
Already we have witnessed the first matchweek of the top-flight, though it is not enough for many to form an impression, but after combing through past opening day outcomes and fixtures for the entire season, I think the People’s Elephant can claim a 10th NPFL title based on how they have started this season, especially at the turf of rivals Heartland.
During the nine seasons, Enyimba have won the title in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2015, 2019 and 2023, they have only failed to win their opening day games on two occasions, in 2001 when they lost one-nil at Gombe United and then in 2003 when they lost 1-2 at Gabros International (which was later bought and changed to FC Ifeanyi Ubah). So their barnstorming start at Heartland gives a hint of a good omen for the remainder part of this campaign.
Apart from enjoying starts in most of their title-winning seasons, Enyimba have been impressive in recent years in the NPFL. In the last five seasons that were concluded except for 2018 and 2019/20 seasons that were abandoned owing to force majeure and COVID-19 respectively, Enyimba have finished outside of the top-three just once in 2021/22 campaign when they finished seventh and 22 points behind eventual champions, Rivers United. This piece of stats also puts the People’s Elephant in a good stead to challenge for the title as they eye their 10th crown.
Of course, I know there will be the shouts that Enyimba won’t just stroll to the title without a fight from the other 19 clubs in the division. Perhaps, one club that will push them for this season’s title are Remo Stars. The Ikenne side has been the other club that has been consistent in recent years. Remo Stars have finished the last three seasons in the top-three including, ending the last two in second position. Their progression from a side always battling relegation to a side that now challenges for the title puts them in place as Enyimba’s number one challengers for the title this term. The other club capable of pushing Enyimba are northern giants, Kano Pillars, considering they have a former coach of the Aba club in Usman Abd’Allah known for his winning knack and steely mentality.
Yes, many will say Enyimba also have the headache of continental football which they begin this weekend away to Étoile Filante in the CAF Confederation Cup. Well in 2002, 2003, 2005, 2010 and 2015 when they won the league title, Enyimba played in CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup. So it only means they can surely mix it up and cope well with the schedule.
I know this call of a 10th league title for Enyimba sounds like a reckless bet especially with a head coach, Yemi Olanrewaju, in his first season in charge having worked as assistant previously. Olanrewaju, popularly known as Yema, is equipped for the rigors of the top division and he proved it on the opening day at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri. He has played, coached and understudied other coaches in the league and knows his way around the division.
It will be difficult to rule out Enyimba’s chances of winning a 10th league title despite the distraction of continental football, the likely challenges of Remo Stars and Kano Pillars, as well as Yema being in his first season as head coach.
