Ukaegbu Laments Lost Opportunity as Enyimba Fall Short in Ilorin

 

Enyimba FC’s spirited late surge was not enough to overturn the deficit in Ilorin as the People’s Elephant narrowly fell 3-2 to Katsina United in a dramatic NPFL Matchday 14 encounter on Monday.

On a day that promised redemption, the nine-time champions found themselves chasing the game after goals from Yusuf and former Enyimba forward Uche Collins in the 32nd and 51st minutes put the ‘Chanji Boys’ ahead.

But the Aba giants roared back with purpose.

Interim Gaffer Coach Lawrence Ukaegbu rang the changes, introducing Ufere Chinedu and the experienced Stanley Dimgba. The impact was immediate as Dimgba halved the deficit in the 61st minute.

However, barely a minute later, Collins struck again to restore Katsina United’s two-goal cushion in the 62nd minute.

Captain for the day, Kalu Nweke, revived hopes of a sensational comeback with a cool finish in the 64th minute, reducing the tally to 3-2. Enyimba pressed, pushed, and controlled the flow, but Katsina United resorted to relentless time-wasting—a tactic that ate deep into the rhythm of the game.

In his post-match reaction, a visibly disappointed Coach Ukaegbu expressed his frustration:

“This is a painful one. I expected us to win today because it was a neutral ground. We did enough to get something from this match, but the lost time that wasn’t recovered cost us. Still, we will work harder and bounce back.”

Despite the setback, Enyimba’s fighting spirit was unmistakable, and the resilience shown in the closing stages will serve as fuel ahead of a high-octane Oriental Derby this Sunday against Enugu Rangers at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.