Good morning, everyone!
I’m sitting here, staring at my device, and wondering just how to get this post started today. I mean, “how” is to start punching away, but putting the thoughts and prevalent emotions in check is the very hard part. Then, of course, letting loose the flow is the next step. But hey, I seem to have started stringing the words together, and who knows, we might actually be able to do this.
It’s Friday – our midweek victory is now firmly behind us, and the focus now is on Sunday. Katsina United is the next visitor to the Aba Stadium, and while it appears a very easy proposition on paper, football matches are not won on paper. It is another game that will demand optimum performance from the boys and unflinching support from the fans.
Speaking of support, Coach Yema made some interesting comments after the Akwa United victory. “We know Akwa was going to throw everything, and every game we play, they always… I think, two seasons ago, we won the league; it ended in a draw, and so last season we won them 3-2. A game against them is always intense.” I heard they have a bit of a record here, and for me, I don’t doubt the boys one bit; we just need more support from the fans“
“You know, the fans are becoming more anxious, and it’s getting to the boys. We have a lot of new players; their mental strength is being doubted, honestly speaking. When we don’t score at 45 minutes, everybody – the fans – want you to go up there. Sometimes the pressure comes from them, but you know, like I keep saying, we will not give it up, and we are not going to give up. It was a good game; we know it’s not going to be easy. The most important thing is we get the job done already at the end of the day.”
Quite interesting thoughts, but the gaffer is on point. There’s no football team that just shows up every time and wins every home game. Sometimes, after a confidence-sapping defeat, a team may need some help to get over the line, especially against a naughty neighbor looking to get their season underway.
For fans, we want the team to just show up and crush every opposition, but even the legendary Enyimba teams of old sometimes needed that famous chorus – (you know which) to turn a seeming draw into 3 points. This is why fans coming to watch the game at the stadium must help the team win. Imagine a team looking for inspiration, and nothing from the coach or bench seems to work – the fans have to provide that extra lift.
This is a culture we have to build around the Enyimba Stadium on matchdays. The fact is, we will have more games like that midweek game against Akwa. You can bet on that. But also, we can choose to ensure that we put up a fight – not just the 11 on the pitch but from the stands. That’s the only way we will win this title this season.
That’s all I have for you today. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for helping me.
Back tomorrow.
‘EnyimbaEnyi
