Enyimba FC, also known as the Aba Elephants, have finally ended their four-year wait for the biggest prize in Nigerian football. Super Eagles legend George Finidi led the team to a 1-2 victory over defending champions Rivers United in the 2022/2023 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title on Sunday night. The match was played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, Nigeria.
Both Rivers United and Enyimba started the day joint-top of the NPFL Super 6 with eight points apiece after winning two and drawing two of their first four games. However, Enyimba only needed a draw to secure their first league triumph since 2019, after Remo Stars defeated Bendel Insurance 1-0 in the other match of the day.
Former Ifeanyi Uba ace Ekene Awazie drew first blood for the Aba Elephants, scoring a 39th-minute opener that gave the fans a lot to cheer about. The defending champions started the second half in excellent fashion with Nyima Nekabari Nwagua netting their equalizer only three minutes after the break. However, Rivers United failed to find the winning goal until the end of the encounter.
Finidi, who was appointed Enyimba’s head coach in September 2021, jumped for joy at the final whistle as he claimed his first major title as a manager. With the triumph, Enyimba has secured the N100 million prize money and a spot in next season’s CAF Champions League.
Remo Stars also sealed the second Champions League ticket, while Rivers United settled for a CAF Confederations Cup slot following their third-place finish. The NPFL Super 6 has been a highly competitive tournament, and Enyimba’s victory was well-deserved.
Enyimba’s success is a testament to the hard work and determination of the team, as well as the guidance and tactical acumen of their coach, Finidi. The team’s fans have waited patiently for four years to see their beloved club lift the NPFL trophy, and their joy and celebration after the final whistle was a sight to behold.
Enyimba’s triumph is also a boost for Nigerian football, as it shows that the country’s domestic league is competitive and exciting. With Enyimba and Remo Stars set to represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Champions League, fans can look forward to more thrilling matches and memorable moments.
In conclusion, Enyimba FC has won the 2022/2023 Nigeria Professional Football League title after a hard-fought victory over Rivers United. The team’s success is a testament to their hard work and determination, as well as the guidance and tactical acumen of their coach, George Finidi. Congratulations to Enyimba FC on their well-deserved victory, and here’s hoping that they will continue to make Nigeria proud in future tournaments.
