Enyimba’s Eriugo reflects on remarkable experience in breakthrough season

Enyimba striker Adiele Eriugo has been reflecting on his breakthrough campaign in the team, which culminated in helping the People’s Elephant lift a record-extending 9th Nigeria Premier League (NPL) title on Sunday.

Eriugo, who was promoted from the feeder team at the start of the just-concluded season, made his debut in March, and went on to score the opening goal of the Super 6 Championship Playoffs as the 2-time African champions were held to a 2-2 draw by Remo Stars.

Looking back at the title-winning campaign and his leap from the feeder team to the senior side, the youngster disclosed he was utterly surprised when he was given the nod by Head Coach Finidi George.

“When coach (Finidi George) included me in the list against Bendel Insurance (in March), I was surprised,” he told EnyimbaFC.net about his debut game.

“Even though I was doing well in training and I feel like I deserve my inclusion, but naming me in the list of players to face Insurance was a pleasant surprise to me. I was like ‘Oh! Thank God’.

“When I was introduced in the game, I was very excited about the atmosphere, the fans and my first time of playing in the NPL.

“Growing up, I was fearless and resilient on the field, but your first time in the NPL against an elite team was such a great time for me.”

On scoring his first NPL goal against Remo Stars and helping the most successful club in Nigeria win a 9th league crown, the Enyimba Feeder team product said he was over the moon, describing the feat as a ‘great achievement’.

“I was overwhelmed with joy after scoring my first goal against Remo Stars in the Super 6. I didn’t know what to say,” he added.

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“While celebrating the goal, I didn’t even know what came over me. It was like someone was pushing me. I ran to the coach (Finidi George) and hugged him.

“Then, winning the NPL, Oh! My God! I feel like it’s a great achievement, moving from the feeder team to the main team, played against elite teams, played in your first season and won the league.

“God has been faithful to me. Without Him, I don’t even know where I would have been.

“I thank our Head Coach, the management and my manager that gave me the opportunity. I will not let anybody down.”