"Nzogbu nzogbu enyimba enyi...." is not a lullaby. It is a 'war' chant you get to hear whenever Enyimba International Footbal Club is in the neighbourhood.
Having won the league title six times in the turn of the century alone, the Aba based footbal outfit went a step further in showing that they are the most successful Nigerian footbal clubside by taking home the trophy for the seventh time. Needing just one point to cart home the trophy, Warri Wolves whom themselves were title hopefuls came to Aba to take a shot at mother luck. Wolves needed a win while Enyimba needed just one point. Minutes into the second half when Enyimba's Etor Daniel received a red card, it seemed he left the field with their hopes. However, Enyimba reassembled and dominated the game. At the final blast of the whistle, the stadium erupted in joyous celebrations as Enyimba fans who filled up the stadium danced away.
To a lot of people, Aba connote different things. The town is well known for her ingenuity. Infact at a time Aba made Italian shoes were more expensive than the ones shipped in from Rome and Sicilly. To a lot of us though, Aba connote football. I am yet to come across an Aba bred young man who doesn't know how to play football. From Umungasi, to Umule, Faulks Road, Ariaria and the ends of the town, football is adored. During midweek games, businessmen and women lock shop and throng to Aba Township to watch Enyimba play. The average person you find in Aba can say a thing or two about football. From the turn of the century, Enyimba made solid claims to being the best around by winning the league in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2010 and then 2015. Within these years too, the club won the CAF Champions League back to back in 2003 and 2004.
This season, the Kadiri Ikhana tutored boys showed from the onset that they meant business. The team is a beauty to watch. Femi Thomas in goal showed why he is rated. Captain Chinedu Udoji, Idris Aloma and Markson Ojobo were consistent in defence. Kingsley Sokari and Ezekiel Bassey showed up well in midfield. Mfon Udoh had an injury riddled season but churned out beautifully when fit and called upon. Not even the long term injury to striker Christian Obiozor who joined midseason from Kano Pillars could deter the team as they deservedly won the title. In my opinion, the most significant thing about Enyimba FC is their community based status. Enyimba is one of the three community based teams in the Nigerian League. Enyimba is the only team that can run without government funding. Sound impossible? Story for another day.
The next time you hear "Nzogbu nzogbu enyimba enyi...." just know that it is not a lullaby. It is a footbal war chant that tells you that the most successful Nigerian football clubside is around.
Congratulations, People's Elephant on your well deserved seventh league title.
Photo credit: twitter.com
Follow Ikenna Enenta on Twitter @ikenna005
One can't talk about the Nigerian football league without mentioning Enyimba, more so on the east side. This latest victory is not surprising, they've really become a force to reckon with in Nigerian football. They're obviously getting something right, kudos to the people's elephant!
ReplyDeleteSure. The story of modern football in Nigeria cannot be complete without making huge mention of Enyimba. They keep making their fans proud.
DeleteSure. The story of modern football in Nigeria cannot be complete without making huge mention of Enyimba. They keep making their fans proud.
DeleteWow! As an Aba boy, I can relate. But credit must go to former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu. He funded this team and have then support while he was Governor, he made the people enthusiastic, I was in Aba in 2002, the radio stations, BCA were all chanting Enyimba all the time. That support is what is reaping dividend now. Lets not even forget the township stadiu he also built. Government should take a xue from this.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I try to avoid politics and politicians here but then since you have mentioned it, you are right. He gave the team the morale and mentality they have till date. Any one who is signed on by Enyimba starts feeling a even of pressure he has never felt in all his years in the Nigerian League. Enyimba have indeed shown to be the best in the country.
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