Enyimba crowned NPFL Champions
Enyimba International of Aba were crowned 2018/2019 Nigeria Professional Football League Champions after a comfortable 3-0 win over Akwa United at the Agege Stadium on Wednesday.
They needed all three points to seal the title which they did in fantastic fashion. Left-footed free kick by Osadiaye stings the palms of Akwa keeper Iwu. The follow-up by Bashir cliped the crossbar and goes over in the 18 minutes.
In the 28 minutes, Brilliant passing play created a Akwa chance, Marshal receives the last pass which could have put him through on goal but Abdul Rahaman tracked to clear his lines.
Two minutes before the break, Reuben Bala breaks the deadlock when he received a pass from Osadiaye off his left hand side who taped in to beat the GK Iwu despite a challenge from the defender.
Into the second on the hour mark, Stanley Dimgba raised up high to head in the second goal off a lovely cross from Okorom. With a minute before full time, Abdul rahaman strike an absolute beauty which put the game to bed in front of their Uzobu fans to seal the league for the People’s elephant.
In an interview with Coach Usman Abd’Allah, “Actually i have no words for it. Last season, we gathered momentum to win the league but unfortunately after 14 matches, the league was stopped but we did a good job on the continent. Our goal this season was to win the league and get back to continent to achieve a good position.”
“ If Team that can compete – It’s lot of hard work, we reinforce the team at the end of last season because we overloaded some certain department of the team.
We overhauled the team, tried to integrate them, was pretty difficult but the players adjusted well and its a rich team. We don’t need to overhaul once again, this team goes to the continent.”
“Lot is changing, there will be lot of time to see how we can march the new season of Champions league and the league.”
“I’m satisfied with the format and it’s was good for every team who had to wait until the last game to be the Champion. It’s a different scenario.”. said Usman Abd’Allah.
Enyimba International started their playoffs with 1-0 win over Rangers in the first game of the Championship, lost 1-0 to Kano Pillars in match day two, won 3-1 away against Lobi Stars in match day three, won 3-1 against Ifeanyi Ubah and sealed the title 3-0 against Akwa United – they amazed massive 12 points in NPFL 2019 Playoffs to be Champions.
