ENYIMBA IN MINNA, TARGETS ROAD POINTS IN DOUBLE AWAY MISSION

_..Ayeni Fires Warning Ahead of Tornadoes, Nasarawa Tests_ 

Stung by a frustrating home draw in Aba last weekend, Enyimba FC have quickly dusted themselves down and are now fully locked in for a defining double away challenge in the 2025/26 NPFL season.

The People’s Elephant touched down in Abuja via United Nigeria Airlines on Friday, en route to Minna, with one message ringing loud and clear from the camp: Enyimba on the road to fight for points.

Ahead of Sunday’s NPFL Matchday 22 clash against Niger Tornadoes at the Bako Kontagora Stadium, Technical Adviser Coach Deji Ayeni struck a confident and defiant tone, insisting that his side have turned the page after the disappointing stalemate against Barau FC in Aba.

“After the disappointing home draw, we are preparing assiduously for the double away games in Niger State and Nasarawa State,” Ayeni told Enyimba Media.

“We are up against Niger Tornadoes this Sunday and later on Wednesday we will take on Nasarawa United in Lafia. We want to be more focused and I am promising the fans that we will fight to get at least four points on the road.”

The Minna encounter is the first leg of a demanding away stretch that will also see Enyimba square up against Nasarawa United in Lafia on Wednesday. With the league table tightening and every point now carrying extra weight, Ayeni believes this period could define his team’s momentum in the second round.

“I want our fans to remain positive and prayerful for us. We are working very hard to get the team to where they are supposed to be,” he added.

Sunday’s fixture against Niger Tornadoes is a familiar one. It is the reverse of the first-round meeting in Aba last August, where Enyimba claimed maximum points. History also tilts slightly in favour of the Aba giants: since 2009, both sides have met 20 times, with Enyimba recording 10 wins, Niger Tornadoes 6, and 4 draws.

But Ayeni is under no illusion about the challenge ahead, knowing that Tornadoes are traditionally difficult opponents on their home turf.

Enyimba’s push for points on the road has been strengthened by key reinforcements in the squad. Striker Adegbite Michael Abiodun, attacking midfielder Idris Abubakar Bonny, and Daniel Eke have all been included for the Minna trip, adding depth and attacking options.

There is also good news between the sticks, with goalkeeper Kelvin Ogunga recovering from a slight knee knock and making the match squad, an important boost as Enyimba prepare for back-to-back away battles.

For Enyimba, Sunday’s clash in Minna is more than just another league game—it is an opportunity to respond, to reassert their ambition, and to prove that the People’s Elephant can still roar away from Aba.

With Coach Ayeni rallying his troops and promising a fight for points on the road, all eyes will be on Minna as Enyimba begin a crucial double away mission—one that could shape their season heading into Lafia and beyond.