2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 11 Preview: Win or Burst — Under-Fire Eguma Seeks Revival as Kano Pillars Threaten

Posted : 02 November 2025

A fierce battle of pride, prestige, and survival looms in Aba on Sunday as Enyimba International FC host Kano Pillars in a Match Day 11 fixture of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

For Enyimba’s Technical Adviser, Stanley Eguma, the pressure has never been higher. Following a poor run of form, the nine-time league champions sit 9th on the log, far below their lofty ambitions.

A 2–0 defeat to Plateau United in Jos on Match Day 10 marked Enyimba’s third consecutive loss, following setbacks against Warri Wolves and Kun Khalifat FC. In response, the club’s management issued a two-match ultimatum to Eguma and his staff.

“While we acknowledge the efforts of the technical crew so far, the current run of results does not reflect the club’s ambition. We expect an immediate response and improved performance beginning with Sunday’s home fixture against Kano Pillars,” the club said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Kano Pillars arrive in Aba in an even deeper crisis. The Sai Masu Gida occupy the bottom of the table (20th) with just five points from ten matches, prompting sweeping technical changes. The club suspended Technical Adviser Evans Ogenyi and Chief Coach Ahmed Garba, appointing former boss Muhammad Babaganaru as interim manager.

Babaganaru’s return brings experience and familiarity, but his first test — facing Enyimba in Aba — could hardly be tougher.

Both managers are under the microscope. Eguma, seasoned but embattled, must deliver a result to save his job, while Babaganaru’s immediate task is to steady Pillars’ sinking ship.

Head-to-Head (Last Six Meetings):

Date	Fixture	Result
19/04/2025	Enyimba Int’l vs Kano Pillars	2–1
23/01/2025	Kano Pillars vs Enyimba Int’l	2–0
03/04/2024	Enyimba Int’l vs Kano Pillars	5–0
12/11/2023	Kano Pillars vs Enyimba Int’l	1–0
21/04/2022	Enyimba Int’l vs Kano Pillars	4–0

Recent history clearly favours Enyimba at home, but Pillars’ desperation adds an unpredictable edge to the contest.

What’s at Stake:

Eguma must win to keep his job.
Pillars need points to climb out of relegation trouble.

Aba expects nothing short of victory. With pride, survival, and jobs on the line, this clash could redefine both teams’ seasons — and perhaps the futures of two veteran

2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 11 Preview: Win or Burst — Under-Fire Eguma Seeks Revival as Kano Pillars Threaten

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics