ENYIMBA BACK TO WINNING WAYS, MAINTAIN DERBY DOMINANCE OVER RANGERS

_…Ukaegbu: “It's Hard Work Rewarded. Unity Gave Us Victory.”_

The Enyimba International Stadium shook to its very foundation on Sunday evening as the People’s Elephant thundered back to winning ways, extending their proud unbeaten streak against eternal rivals, Enugu Rangers, in a fiery NPFL Matchday 15 Oriental Derby that lived up to every ounce of its billing.

Before a nearly packed and electrifying Aba crowd, Enyimba delivered a commanding 2–1 victory—one forged in hunger, hard work, and unwavering unity.

When the moment demanded courage, young striker Chidera Michael stepped up like a seasoned warrior. In the 42nd minute, petit winger Onyebuchi Nwaorisa, making his first start of the season, sliced through the right flank with blistering pace, switched beautifully from the left, and delivered a dream cross. Chidera met it with the calm of a veteran—a sublime, composed finish for his third goal of the season.

Just when Rangers were hoping to drag the game into a nervous finale, up stepped the experienced Stanley Dimgba. Introduced in the second half, the wing maestro ghosted into the danger area with trademark timing, connecting perfectly with Nwokeji Godswill’s teasing pull-out to smash home Enyimba’s insurance goal in the 81st minute.

Rangers attempted a late fightback through Agu’s expertly curled free kick, but it wasn’t enough to dent Enyimba’s resolve—or their record.

From kickoff, both sides tussled for control, but Enyimba steadily tightened their grip on the contest. Captain Kalu Nweke, Chidera, and the electric Nwaorisa formed a devastating triangle that repeatedly unbalanced the Rangers backline.

Keeper Kelvin Ogunga especially in the second half stood firm when called upon, ensuring the People’s Elephant remained in the driver’s seat.

A visibly proud Coach Lawrence Ukaegbu, fresh into his interim tenure, hailed his players’ mentality and commitment:

“This victory is the product of hard work. The boys stayed united and played with one purpose. When we work together like this, Enyimba will always rise.”

The People’s Elephant march on with renewed confidence as they head to Abeokuta next Sunday to face defending champions Remo Stars in what promises to be another heavyweight clash.