COACH EGUMA LAMENTS MISSED CHANCES AS ENYIMBA, RIVERS SHARE SPOILS IN NPFL THRILLER

It was a fierce battle of supremacy at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, on Sunday as Enyimba FC and Rivers United locked horns in a thrilling NPFL Match Day 7 encounter that ended goalless — a result that left Coach Stanley Eguma ruing missed opportunities from his side.

The high-octane fixture lived up to its billing as two of the league’s unbeaten heavyweights went head-to-head in a pulsating 90 minutes that showcased the true beauty of Nigerian football. From end-to-end exchanges to tactical brilliance, it was a spectacle that once again sold the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in grand style.

Despite the goalless outcome, the People’s Elephant had the lion’s share of chances, with Stanley Dimgba coming close to breaking the deadlock late in the first half after latching onto a fine cross from Joel Ezra. However, the assistant referee’s flag dashed Enyimba fans’ celebrations, ruling the effort offside.

Speaking after the contest, Coach Stanley Eguma praised both sides for their spirited display but couldn’t hide his frustration at his team’s wastefulness in front of goal.

“Yeah, it’s a good game — a very interesting one that contains all the trappings of a grade A Premier League match,” Eguma began.

“My players gave their best, but we were wasteful in front of goal. In the first half, we created several clear chances that could have made the difference, but we just couldn’t take them. I also think we weren’t lucky with some questionable calls, including a penalty appeal that wasn’t given, but overall, it was a fair contest.”

The experienced tactician, while expressing mild displeasure over some officiating decisions, was quick to commend Rivers United for their resilience and tactical discipline, especially in the first half.

“I must also commend the away team — they gave a good fight, particularly early in the game. It was a tough encounter, and such matches are what make the NPFL exciting and competitive.”

Eguma also provided an update on striker Chidera Michael, who was substituted after coming on for Bassey John.

“Some of our strikers are out injured — players like Atule Joseph, Ekene Awazie, and Ifeanyi Ihemekwele. Bassey has been getting his chances, and we’re also trying other options. Unfortunately, Chidera got injured today, and we’ll assess the extent of it soon.”

The draw keeps Enyimba firmly in second place on the NPFL log with 13 points from eight games — three points adrift of leaders Nasarawa United. Abia Warriors climbed to third with 12 points after their away win in Ilorin, while Rivers United, also on 12 points, sit fourth with a game in hand.

Next up for the People’s Elephant is an Oriental derby against newly promoted Kun Khalifat FC, who share the same turf at the Enyimba Stadium, setting the stage for yet another Aba showdown.

Both Enyimba and Rivers United may have settled for a point apiece, but their Sunday display was a clear statement — the NPFL is alive, competitive, and ready for the spotlight.