Wounded Enyimba Thrash 3SC In Six Goal Euro match NPFL Thriller

..As, People’s Elephants Claim First League Victory Of The Season

Enyimba International FC made a powerful statement on Wednesday, defeating Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) 4-2 in their rescheduled Matchday 2 fixture of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.

The nine time League champions delivered a commanding attacking performance to secure their first three points of the season, combining relentless pressure with clinical finishing in a thrilling six goal contest.

Enyimba seized control from the outset and took the lead in the sixth minute. Richard Ezinna pounced on a defensive mistake by Shooting Stars before keeping his composure to beat the visitors’ goalkeeper and send the Aba crowd into celebration.

The hosts continued to press for a second and doubled their advantage in the 28th minute.

After Obichere Odinaka delivered a corner, the ball fell to Chibueze Damian, who unleashed a superb long range strike to make it 2-0, scoring his first goal for the club.

Enyimba’s pressure showed no sign of easing. Eight minutes later, they added a third as Damian turned provider, releasing an incisive long range pass to Odinaka Obichere, who then picked out Idris Abubakar. The hard working midfielder finished from close range for his maiden NPFL goal, putting Enyimba firmly in command at 3-0.

The People’s Elephants resumed the second half with the same intensity extending their lead just four minutes after the restart. William Wonah embarked on an impressive individual run, beating Victor Sochima before squaring the ball for Ifeanyi Ihemekwele, who calmly completed the move to make it 4-0. His first after returning from a long injury layoff.

The goal carried added significance for Ihemekwele, marking his first for Enyimba in eight months.

With the contest appearing beyond their reach, Shooting Stars mounted a late response. Substitute Adams Mustapha pulled one back in the 76th minute, giving the visitors a glimmer of hope.

That hope grew in the 89th minute when another substitute, Atule Johnmark, scored to reduce the deficit to 4-2.

Enyimba, however, held firm under late pressure from the Oluyole Warriors to secure a deserved victory. The result ended their wait for a league win and provided a significant lift ahead of their next fixture.

Reacting after the exciting encounter, Assistant Coach, Okechukwu Ejeh reflected on the victory as work done in training

Okechukwu welcomed the team’s first victory of the campaign, particularly after previous games in which the side had struggled to convert its chances.

“We feel fantastic. For the technical crew and players, it feels good winning our first game of the season. We have been working on goal scoring. The games we lost saw us create chances and we couldn't convert them. Today is a reflection of what we did in training,” Okechukwu said.

The assistant coach nevertheless admitted that Enyimba must improve defensively after conceding twice despite building a four-goal lead.

“It's a learning curve for us. We conceded silly goals in our last two home games, that means we haven't gotten it right defensively. Come Sunday against Plateau United, the lapses will be corrected,” he stated.

He also urged the club’s supporters to remain patient and continue backing the team as the season progresses.

“Our fans should keep trooping en masse to support this team. It's a work in progress. Fans should exercise patience with us, we will get it right. Today is a sign that this team can score goals. When we get it right, it will be a near perfect team,” he added.

The victory gives Enyimba renewed momentum as they prepare to face Plateau United in their next league assignment.