2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 37: Depleted Enyimba International FC to face league's highest goal scorer, Yusuf, in Gombe

Posted : 11 May 2025

Enyimba International FC, chasing a continental ticket ahead of their crucial 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 37 fixture, has announced that star player and former Super Eagles forward, Brown Ideye, will not make the trip on Sunday.

The nine-time league champions disclosed that Ideye has been granted permission to travel home to attend to an undisclosed family matter after Wednesday’s clash with Kwara United.

The 36-year-old scored a brace for the People’s Elephant in their 2-0 win over the Ilorin club at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.

The team further stated that their influential captain, Pascal Eze, is also unavailable for selection due to an undisclosed family matter.

In addition, Enyimba will be without forward Joseph Atule for the game. Atule, one of the team’s leading marksmen, is currently nursing an injury.

Enyimba sit 5th on the NPFL table with 55 points heading into the Matchday 37 fixture, while Nasarawa United occupy 14th position with 46 points.

However, with just two matchdays remaining in the 2024/2025 NPFL season, Anas Yusuf of Nasarawa United has emerged as the league’s top scorer, leading the Golden Boot race with 17 goals.

Thus, the People's Elephant face a significant challenge in curtailing the league's most lethal striker when they meet at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe.

Yusuf’s tally, consisting of 14 goals from open play and three penalties, sets him apart from other forwards in the league, highlighting his consistency and clinical edge in front of goal.

Despite his individual brilliance, Nasarawa United sit 11th on the table with 49 points, caught in a tight mid-table contest.

While the club is no longer in contention for continental qualification, Yusuf’s goals have been vital in keeping the team clear of relegation concerns.

Chasing Yusuf are three players tied on 12 goals: Anthony Ijoma Dessouza (Abia Warriors), Shola Adelani (Ikorodu City), and Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars).

Head to head:

Enyimba International FC holds the most wins in the contest, with three victories from the last five meetings, while Nasarawa United have one win, with one match ending in a draw.

8 Jan 25: Enyimba 2 - 1 Nasarawa United
29 Mar 23: Enyimba 1 - 1 Nasarawa United
14 Jan 23: Nasarawa United 1 - 2 Enyimba
28 May 22: Enyimba 3 - 2 Nasarawa United

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 37: Depleted Enyimba International FC to face league's highest goal scorer, Yusuf, in Gombe

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics