As the rain drizzled during the game, Katsina United was feeling alot worse. This was no drizzle – It was a downpour. That first half was scintillating – perhaps we’d need to check in with OptaNGR to find out when was the last time Enyimba was 3-0 and flying by halftime.
So much has been said about our squad depth and as far as headaches go, finding the right pair is the current Coach Yema’s midnight contemplations. This game brings us back to that discussion, especially as we scored three times, after struggling to score in our last four games.
Let’s begin with the return of Clinton Jephtah and Daniel Daga from the Flying Eagles camp. The absence of both players really showed against Akwa United as the team struggled with shape. Jephtah returned with vigour and was a menace down the left side of attack. He was bold and took on his opponents with ease, cutting in and breaking up Katsina’s low block at intervals. He proved to be the missing link in that attack.
Daniel Daga is fast making himself an indispensable part of the Enyimba team. The boy plays with his heart and provides cover for the Elephants, allowing Kalu Nweke to move into the central midfield role, while Eze Ekwutoziam took on a free role. Daga was everywhere, providing options for Alalibo and Eze and cutting off Katsina’s attempts at counter attacks. He is such an asset for us. With foreign clubs already courting him, he may not stay beyond January. Yema should begin now to plan for life without Daniel Daga.
Why would I not talk about Ekene Awazie? He gave us such a beauty as curtain raiser. He skillfully beat his marker in the box before firing past Kolimba Alladoum. He was also coming back to assist Uwana Asuquo in defense. That is exactly what a coach needs from his winger and he understood the assignment.
Ifeanyi Ihemekwele is fast cementing his place in the team. He is intelligent, pacy and bold and this kind of performance would give Yema options in attack. In fact, it looked like the combination of Awazie, Jephtah and Ihemekwele is the most efficient as they did a brilliant job on the day.
In defense, Somiari Alalibo and Pascal Eze have a type of understanding we need. Pascal being the “butcher” while Alalibo does the scanning and defensive organisation job. Oh what a game Imoh Obot had! This is probably one of his best games for us. He was everywhere; in midfield, central defense, attack and at left back. He is in the form of his life and boy what were those skills! It’s definitely Obot’s time and he is just using it well.
Generally, the team which started the game against Katsina United seems to be our dream starting 11. But with the rotation in the team, you may never know who will pick form and bring his A-game to the fore.
