2026/2027 Euromatch NPFL Rescheduled Match Day 2: Enyimba Find Scoring Boots, Crush Shooting Stars 4-2 in Aba

Posted : 01 October 2026

Enyimba International FC finally turned their chances into goals as they secured a 4-2 victory over Shooting Stars in their rescheduled Matchday 2 fixture of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season in Aba.

After a difficult opening to the campaign, the nine-time NPFL champions produced their most emphatic attacking performance of the season to claim their first three points.

The People’s Elephants immediately seized control, taking the lead in the sixth minute when Richard Ezinna capitalised on a defensive error by Shooting Stars before calmly finding the net.

Enyimba doubled their advantage in the 28th minute after Obichere Odinaka’s corner created confusion in the visitors’ defence, allowing Chibueze Damian to collect the deflection and unleash a powerful long-range effort for his first goal for the club.

The hosts continued to exploit gaps in the Shooting Stars defence and added a third goal eight minutes later.

Damian turned provider this time, sending a precise long-range pass to Odinaka Obichere, who laid the ball across for Idris Abubakar to score his maiden NPFL goal.

Enyimba showed no signs of easing off after the interval, extending their lead in the 49th minute.

William Wonah produced a strong individual run before beating Victor Sochima and setting up Ifeanyi Ihemekwele for a simple finish, ending his eight-month wait for a goal.

Shooting Stars eventually found a response through their substitutes, with Adams Mustapha reducing the deficit in the 76th minute before Atule Johnmark scored again in the 89th minute.

The late goals, however, could not change the outcome as Enyimba held on comfortably to record their first victory of the campaign.

Enyimba assistant coach Ejeh Okechukwu described the result as a welcome reward for the team’s work on finishing.

“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,” Okechukwu said.

He explained that the team’s earlier defeats had been influenced by missed opportunities.

“The games we lost saw us create chances and we couldn’t convert them. Today is a reflection of what we did in training.”

Despite the emphatic victory, Okechukwu acknowledged that Enyimba still need to improve defensively after conceding twice.

“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,” he said.

He added that the team would work to eliminate those lapses before Sunday’s encounter against Plateau United.

“Come Sunday against Plateau United, the lapses will be corrected.”

Okechukwu also urged the Aba fans to remain patient and continue supporting the team as the rebuilding process continues.

“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,” he said.

“Today is a sign that this team can score goals. When we get it right, it will be a near perfect team.”

Enyimba’s first win of the season provides a significant boost after their difficult opening to the campaign, while their four-goal performance offers evidence of the progress made in front of goal. The People’s Elephants will now turn their attention to Sunday’s meeting with Plateau United as they seek to build on the victory.

2026/2027 Euromatch NPFL Rescheduled Match Day 2: Enyimba Find Scoring Boots, Crush Shooting Stars 4-2 in Aba

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics