By Our Sports Correspondent in Aba
ABA, NIGERIA – The historic Enyimba International Stadium in Aba, Abia State, once again proved to be an impenetrable fortress yesterday as the ‘People’s Elephant,’ Enyimba FC, swept aside Kwara United with a convincing 3-1 victory in a thrilling Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) encounter.
The stadium, famed for its electric atmosphere and passionate home support, was a cauldron of noise that clearly unsettled the visiting Kwara United side.
The magnificent, purpose-built arena, which serves as a symbol of Enyimba’s continental pedigree, was packed to the rafters, with the vocal crowd spurring the home team on to a dominant performance.
Enyimba, making full use of their home turf advantage, started the game on the front foot.
The opening goal, a sensational strike from a tight angle, sent the Enyimba International Stadium crowd into raptures.
The lead was soon doubled, further cementing the sense of destiny that often accompanies the two-time CAF Champions League winners when they play at home.
Kwara United, to their credit, managed to pull a goal back, momentarily silencing the Aba faithful. However, Enyimba quickly restored their two-goal cushion with a clinical finish just before the end of the first half, putting the game all but beyond the visitors.
The second half saw Enyimba control the flow of the game, cheered on by a partisan crowd who see the Enyimba International Stadium not just as a venue, but as a lucky charm.
Despite a few late surges from Kwara United, the home side’s defence stood firm, ensuring the final score remained a solid 3-1.
The comprehensive victory keeps Enyimba firmly in the hunt for a continental slot, a target the club’s hierarchy will expect to be met, especially with the unwavering support they receive at their splendid Aba home.
For Kwara United, it’s back to the drawing board, having been comprehensively beaten on one of the NPFL’s grandest stages.
