Enyimba still chasing top-three finish, Federation cup glory – Eguma
Enyimba head coach Stanley Eguma said the People’s Elephant remain firmly in the race for a top-three finish in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
The nine-time champions currently sit eighth on the table with 46 points—14 adrift of leaders Remo Stars, 10 behind Rivers United in second, and four off third-placed Abia Warriors.
Speaking to reporters after Enyimba’s 2-1 derby win over Abia Warriors on Matchday 32 in Aba, Eguma reaffirmed the club’s ambition of qualifying for CAF inter-club competitions next season, noting that both the league and the Federation Cup offer realistic paths.
“The league is still open. As far as I’m concerned, Enyimba are in strong contention,” said Eguma, a former Rivers United gaffer.
“Forget our past flaws. We dropped points here against Bayelsa United. In Lagos, we were close to getting the three points but ended up dropping them too. I think we’re learning from those mistakes.
“It hasn’t been long since we started working together. I believe that in the nearest future, we’ll get it right. But for now, it’s not yet over. We’ll continue to keep our sights on the top until it’s finally over.”
Enyimba are also alive in the Federation Cup and will play Nigeria National League side Abakaliki FC in the Round of 16 on April 16.
Asked which path to the continent the club would prioritise, Eguma replied: “Both windows are open, and we’re giving our all to both.
“We’re not losing sight of either the league or the Federation Cup. Whichever one comes, we take. We’re working hard and praying to God that one of them comes through for us.
“We strongly believe we are fit and capable of picking either the league or Federation Cup ticket for a return to the continent.”
In the win against Abia Warriors, Kalu Nweke cancelled out Anthony Ijoma’s opener before halftime, and Joseph Atule grabbed the winner in the second half. It was arguably Enyimba’s best performance of the season.
Reflecting on the match, Eguma credited the victory to the players’ renewed determination, support from the club’s management, and improved understanding of his footballing philosophy.
“We have players who are determined now. The management is really backing the team and motivating the players, who are eager to make a name for themselves and lift the club.
“You know I only recently joined the team. The players are gradually understanding the philosophy. It’s a gradual process, and I think we shouldn’t rule ourselves out of a possible top-three finish because the league isn’t over yet. We keep working hard. As you can see, we’re improving game by game. It’s not over until it’s finally over.”
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He also had praise for Abia Warriors, calling the derby encounter one of the best in the NPFL this season.
“It was a good game. As a derby, we expected a tough and difficult match. Both teams are very good. The game lived up to expectations and, in my view, it’s the best NPFL match I’ve seen in a long time.
“Abia Warriors were strong and had a solid tactical approach. They dominated possession, but we capitalised on counter-attacks to get our goals—and that’s important.
“The most crucial thing is getting the goals. Overall, I think it was a great game.”