Coach Deutsch Describes Enyimba’s Dramatic Draw With Wikki Crucial

  

Enyimba FC Technical Adviser, Emmanuel Deutsch, has showered praises on his players for their fighting spirit after the People’s Elephant battled to a dramatic 2-2 draw against Wikki Tourists at the Lafia City Stadium in a tense NPFL Matchday 34 encounter.

In a game filled with drama, intensity and survival instincts, Enyimba showed pulled a late drama, coming from behind twice to snatch a crucial point late in stoppage time.

Goals from Samuel Okechukwu in the 55th and Nwaorisa Onyebuchi in added time ensured the Nigerian giants returned home with a valuable away point that could prove decisive in their push for safety.

Wikki Tourists struck first against the run of play in the 14th minute, capitalising on a rare opening to put the home side ahead and set the tone for a fiercely contested battle.

The match took a major twist when the Wikki goalkeeper was shown a red card after bringing down Enyimba’s leading scorer Chidera Michael, who was clean through on goal. Despite the numerical advantage, the People’s Elephant endured a frustrating spell before eventually finding their breakthrough.

Enyimba’s pressure finally paid off when Samuel Okechukwu reacted quickest to a loose ball in the area, firing home to register his first goal of the season and restore parity for the nine time champions.

 However, the “Giant Elephants” of Bauchi responded with renewed determination and surprisingly regained the lead despite being down to ten men, taking advantage of defensive lapses to make it 2-1.

But the People’s Elephant refused to surrender.

As the game entered its dying moments, Enyimba threw everything forward, and their relentless push was rewarded deep into added time when Nwaorisa Onyebuchi who rose from the bench struck brilliantly to force a 2-2 stalemate off Wonah Williams (another second half substitute) deep cross netting his second goal of the season and sealing a priceless point for the Aba landlords.

Speaking after the match, Coach Emmanuel Deutsch applauded his players’ resilience and attitude, insisting the point is crucial.

“It was a battle between two sides struggling for survival and they played well. They took the lead and we equalized before they took back the lead with one man down but my players didn’t give up,” Deutsch said.

The Cameroon born tactician admitted he would have preferred maximum points, but described the result as a vital step forward in Enyimba’s campaign.

“Though we wanted the three points but the one point is crucial. We would build on it.”

Deutsch also explained the challenges of facing a team reduced to ten men, noting that such situations often make opponents even more dangerous.

“It has always been a difficult game while playing a 10-man team as they would always play like wounded lions.”

With just five matches left in the season, the Enyimba gaffer maintained strong optimism and reassured supporters that the People’s Elephant will not be dragged into relegation.

“We have five games, a couple away and some home games. With this crucial point here in Lafia I can assure you that Enyimba won’t relegate.”

Enyimba FC will now shift focus to their next assignment, a crucial home clash against Katsina United at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, next Sunday as they continue their fight to finish the season strongly.