Enyimba International Football Club, two-time CAF Champions League winners, finally broke their ten-game winless streak with a resounding 4-1 victory over Mozambique’s UD Songo in a CAF Confederation Cup group stage match. This crucial win, achieved at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, injected a much-needed dose of optimism into the People’s Elephant’s campaign after a dismal start to both their domestic and continental seasons. The victory was orchestrated by a combination of experience and youthful exuberance, with new signing and former AFCON winner Brown Ideye marking his continental debut for the club with a goal, while returning forward Joseph Atule bagged a brace.
Before their triumph against UD Songo, Enyimba had endured a frustrating run of form, failing to secure a win in any competition since their 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) back in October 2024. Their struggles extended to the CAF Confederation Cup, where they had failed to register a single victory in their opening three group stage matches. This winless streak not only placed their qualification hopes in jeopardy but also raised concerns about the team’s overall performance under the newly appointed coach, Stanley Eguma.
The match against UD Songo, however, witnessed a revitalized Enyimba side, eager to turn their fortunes around. Atule, returning from injury, made an immediate impact, opening the scoring just six minutes into the game. Although UD Songo quickly equalized, Enyimba regained the lead through a well-taken goal by Ifeanyi Ihemekwele. The introduction of Brown Ideye in the second half proved to be a masterstroke, as the experienced striker quickly made his presence felt, extending Enyimba’s lead with a clinical finish, assisted by Atule. Atule then sealed the victory with his second goal in stoppage time, completing a dominant performance by the Nigerian side.
Despite the emphatic victory, Enyimba’s position in Group D of the CAF Confederation Cup remains precarious. With four points from four matches, they still occupy the bottom spot in the group, albeit with renewed hope of progressing to the knockout stages. Their next match, a home fixture against Al Masry of Egypt, will be crucial in determining their fate. A positive result against the Egyptian side will set the stage for a final group stage showdown against Zamalek in Egypt, a match that could ultimately decide their qualification prospects.
The win against UD Songo carries significant weight for Enyimba, extending beyond the immediate boost to their Confederation Cup campaign. It marks the first continental victory for coach Stanley Eguma, who took the reins of the club amidst their challenging start to the season. The victory also provides a much-needed morale boost for the team as they navigate a demanding schedule that includes both domestic and continental commitments. Eguma will be hoping to build on this positive momentum and turn the team’s fortunes around in all competitions.
Beyond the CAF Confederation Cup, Enyimba face a considerable challenge in the NPFL. Currently sitting ninth in the table with 24 points after 16 games, they have a significant number of outstanding matches to play. These games represent both an opportunity and a challenge for the People’s Elephant. While winning these outstanding fixtures could propel them up the league table, failing to do so could further complicate their season. The team’s ability to manage their squad effectively and maintain their winning momentum will be crucial in determining their success in both the domestic and continental arenas.
