BY OUR FOOTBALL CORRESPONDENT IN ABA
ENYIMBA reminded the rest of the NPFL exactly why they are the kings of the jungle yesterday, dismantling a shell-shocked Katsina United with a clinical 3-0 victory that had the “Peoples Elephant” trumpeting with pride.
In a match defined by individual brilliance and a suffocating team press, the Aba giants didn’t just win; they sent a message. From the first whistle at the Enyimba International Stadium, it was clear that the stars had aligned for the home side.
The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when the midfield engine, Sopuruchi Dimgba, found a pocket of space and unleashed a low drive that left the Katsina keeper clutching at thin air. It was a goal born of pure vision, turning a Cagey opening into a carnival atmosphere.
Before the visitors could catch their breath, the lead was doubled. Chidera Michael, a constant thorn in the side of the Katsina defense, showcased his predator’s instinct in the 31st minute. Latching onto a perfectly weighted cross, Michael’s finish was as cool as the Aba breeze, effectively killing the contest before the halftime oranges were even sliced.
While the goals grabbed the headlines, the real story was the dominance of Enyimba’s core. Kelvin Ogunga was a mountain between the posts, snuffing out any hint of a Katsina comeback with two world-class saves that kept his clean sheet intact.
The third and final blow came late in the second half, a 74th-minute strike that served as the exclamation point on a perfect afternoon. The fluidity of Enyimba’s front three left the Katsina backline looking like they were chasing ghosts in the scorching afternoon heat.
For Katsina United, it was a long journey home with plenty of questions to answer. For Enyimba, this wasn’t just three points—it was a masterclass in star power. If they keep this level of intensity, the NPFL trophy might as well start making its way toward Aba right now.
“We played with the heart of elephants today,” one jubilant fan shouted outside the ground. “When our stars shine like this, no one in Nigeria can touch us.”
FULL TIME: Enyimba 3-0 Katsina United
SCORERS: Sopuruchi (23′), Michael (31′), Nweke (74′)
MAN OF THE MATCH: Chidera Michael
