Its very easy to ask people to shrug off the disappointment of Sunday’s defeat. In a fixture we have rarely done well in, to be dismissed in the manner we were, must have hurt. And “enjoying this sadness” must have been a very difficult ask indeed.
From the morning after- the resignation from everything Enyimba and then returning to the blog to find some solace- being a football fan hurts after a defeat. Especially a defeat to Rivers United.
The only antidote, the only medication that works – ask any fan or player is to show your true colour’s in the next game. And this is why today’s fixture against Akwa United bares more significance than the normally thrilling fixtures against them.
Judging from previous encounters, you can only come to one conclusion – Akwa United are a different kind of foe. I recall Zachary Baraje leading them to Aba on the first day of the 2014/2015 season to get a draw in Aba. This was few months after Enyimba had fired Baraje. The look on his face or yet again, the celebration by the Promise Keepers at full-time churned my precious tummy.
So far this season, Akwa United have yet to get in their stride. But as we know in football, you write off such a team at your peril. They are no pushovers, hence we should be purpose driven from the Go! It is also quite likely for Enyimba to still dwell on the disappointment of Port Harcourt but it is time to shake it off.
In Port Harcourt, we saw Yema make changes to the lineup and brought in fresh legs. Questions were asked about why some regulars this season did not even make the bench. We hope to see Atule, Awazie, Akanni Elijah return to the team, apart from Clinton Jephtah and Daniel Daga who are now with the Flying Eagles.
The last two games between Akwa United and Enyimba saw nine goals. The first game between both sides last season ended 3-2 in favour of the Elephants in Aba, with Alalibo scoring the winning from a blistering freekick. The reverse fixture in March ended 3-1 in favour of the Promise Keepers. Mbaoma scored our consolation goal from the spot while Obot hit the woodwork three times.
Both sides now have a new team. Last season, Sani Suleiman was Akwa United’s most prolific attacker while for us, it was Mbaoma. Both players have left the teams and the effect can be seen as both sides struggle to score goals now.
While Nathaniel Asibe may retain his place, there could be changes in defence, with Uwana Asuquo replacing Obichere. Pascal Eze might partner Moses Adikwu in central defence while Innocent Gabriel plays as right back if Asuquo is not available while Obot or Ukadike will be on the left.
We could also see changes in midfield as Yemi tries to get a perfect fit. In attack, Alade Balogun may start as centre forward in place of Wasiu Jimoh who started in Port Harcourt while Ismail Sariki and Ekene Awazie may be on the flanks.
It is early days in the season but alot rests on this fixture. Belief and confidence will suffer no hiccups if the team gets back in winning ways – the contrary may be difficult to envision or indeed to deal with.
Hopefully the boys come good this evening.
Back tomorrow,
‘EnyimbaEnyi
