Baring any last minute change, the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League season will return on Sunday, September 1, 2024. Fans of the top clubs in the country will hope this is their “lucky year” and that they can bring home the most coveted Trophy. For us, it is same- except of course the fact that we have some unfinished business.
For a team to win a trophy, it must have a potent attack and a strong defence. The People’s Elephants fell short of a 10th title last season and with renewed vigour, we launch again. However, for this to happen, we need to shore up the defence. Defence wins you titles- isnt that what they say?
The departure of Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Ojo Olorunleke came with mixed reactions as he was a prominent part of the team’s success last season. During his time with the National Team, Ani Ozoemena who was before this time, largely untested, stepped into his big shoes and did well, including a glorious outing in that controversial game against Rangers in Enugu. Reinforcements are imminent and while you feel Coach Yemi will no doubt have his preferred choice, the new faces or rather, new hands will be keen to impress. If due diligence was employed in the search and recruitment process, then Nathaniel Asibe and co should each feel they have an equal opportunity to lay claims to the number 1 spot.
In central defence, Somiari Alalibo can be said to have earned the trust of the Aba faithful. Last season, he battled injuries at some point but his quality is not in doubt, especially when he partners Pascal Eze, both providing cover for the team’s other defenders with timely interventions and interceptions. They were by no means impregnable, and if the mission is recovering the League title from Rangers, they have some stepping up to do.
Nigeria Ex-International Chidera Ezeh was recently acquired by the club. After stints in Portugal, the defender is back and we will be hoping his stay with us will improve us considerably as well as help relaunch his career. He was touted for big things and maybe this time with us will be the tonic his career needs. A solid defender who is capable of contributing significantly on the both ends of the pitch. Odinaka Francis has also returned to the team. He gets to live all our dreams- playing for the club of your dreams. Divine Ukadike joins from Heartland – talk about the lone shinning light from a horrible league campaign with the Owerri based club.
Perhaps the most important preparation this defence needs is some history lesson. They need to be seated round a tree in the glaring Aba moonlight and one of us gets appointed to remind them of the Legends that have donned the famous blue colors of Enyimba. The Obinna Nwaneris, The Romanus Orjintas, The Chinedu Udojis, Legends who made the hallowed Aba grounds an impregnable fortress. Legends who have their names written indelibly in the annals of the kings of the East.
