Nigerian Football
ROHR’S ROAD NOT CLEAR YET FOR ENYEAMA
BY BOLAJI OKUNOLA.
The coast may not be clear yet for former Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama to return to the Super Eagles’ fold.
A highly and very reliable source within the Super Eagles informed Sports Village Square that the atmosphere for Enyeama to return after his self imposed international exile is still fouled.
It was gathered that the Franco-German coach, Gernot Rohr, who has never hidden his wish to have Enyeama back into the team, may have been told by the Nigeria Football Federation chiefs to drop the idea of inviting Enyeama.
After Nigeria qualified for the World Cup earlier this month, Rohr expressed his desire to have an experienced goalkeeper in his squad that will face the best of the bests in Russia next year.
His clamour for the return of the 101-capped Enyeama started following the recurring illness of his successor, Carl Ikeme who was later to be diagnosed with acute leukaemia. Since, the Super Eagles have had to gamble with options.
It was only in the back-to-back encounters with Cameroon that Ikechukwu Ezenwa appeared to have stamped his authority in the goalpost. Even then, Rohr still desires a reliable back-up as he begins to think of a World Cup squad.
Enyeama will be making his fourth appearance in the World Cup should he eventually make the list. He debuted in the global scene as a successor to Ike Shorunmu in Nigeria’s last match with England at the 2002 edition.
Since then, he has gone to feature seven other World Cup matches in 2010 and 2014.
The balls hit the nets 17 times this Sunday as the Nigeria Premier League Season 2024/25 burst into life this Sunday.
The first of the goals was from Plateau United’s Olawale Doyeni who converted a 24th minute penalty kick against Katsina United in an eventual 1-0 home win.
Another star-man of the the day is Enyimba’s Clinton Jephta who has become the season’s first hat-trickster. His three goals in the 65th , 70th and 73rd minutes sank heartland 3-1 in their home match.
The Nigerian Premier Football League burst into life this Sunday with eight matches on the card and contrasting results. Three of the eight matches resulted in away wins signalling level playing field of the league.
It is a sharp departure from the past seasons when it is almost predictable that home teams would win. Remo Stars, Enyimba and Niger Tornadoes have away wins and with scoring multiple goals.
Remo Stars won against Abia Warriors by 2-0. Enyimba came from a goal down to win 3-1 against Heartland while Niger Tornadoes beat Kwara United 2-1 away from home.
- Kwara United 1-2 Niger Tornadoes
- Sunshine 3-0 Bayelsa: Saidu Salisu
- Bendel Insurance 0-0 Rivers United
- Heartland 1-3 Enyimba
- Abia Warriors 0-2 Remo Stars
- Plateau United 1-0 Katsina United
- Kano Pillars 3-0 Ikorodu City
- Nasarawa United 1-1 Shooting Stars
The Nigerian football fields are set agog again as the Nigeria Premier Football League gets underway with the Season 2024/25.
The opening matches are not staggered as in the previous seasons. Rather, all the matches will be played simultaneously at 4 pm.
Sunshine Stars are hosting Bayelsa United. Bendel Insurance will host Rivers United.
Bendel Insurance begin another title race to see if they can be crownd Nigerian champions. They last won the Nigeria topmost league in 1979.
Former Enyimba and Super Eagles’ coach, Finidi George opens his bew adventure in Port Harcourt with a home game of Rivers United against Bendel Insurance.
Crowd-pulling Kano Pillars will clash with new comers, Ikorodu City. Kano Pillars, with a passionate home crowd, are always a formidable opponents.
Kwara United will look to dominate at home as they host Niger Tornadoes.
The Oriental Derby will be in Owerri as Heartland FC, lucky escapee into the top league will host Enyimba FC. Heartland which took the place of Beyon Limit Academy of Ikenne be looking to make a strong start at home after re-invigorating their squad with new signings and trimming old legs.
Their coach, Emmanuel Amuneke will also have to prove his mettle in the club.
Other matches on Sunday include Abia Warriors versus Remo Stars, Nasarawa United versus Shooting Stars, and Plateau United will host Katsina United.
Lobi Stars who are consistent performers will aim to secure an early win against Akwa United on Monday.
Akwa United struggled and escape relegation last season. But the team has re-energised their squad with new signings.
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