Yemi Olanrewaju, Technical Adviser of Enyimba, wore a forlorn expression on Tuesday evening as the People’s Elephant shared the spoils with rivals Rangers International in an NPFL Matchday 15 Oriental Derby that ended goalless at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, Completesports.com reports.
Enyimba, Nigeria’s sole survivors in the 2024/2025 CAF interclub competitions, were without a win in two consecutive games but thought they had broken the jinx with Christian Nnaji’s 88th-minute strike.
However, the goal was disallowed, forcing the game to end in a stalemate and extending the nine-time NPFL champions’ winless run to three matches.
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An emotional Olanrewaju expressed frustration over the disallowed goal, describing the referee’s call as “quite unfortunate”.
“We scored a goal, but whatever the referee’s reason for cancelling that goal is quite unfortunate. We hope this league improves so that when a team makes an effort, they can see the fruits of that effort,” said Olanrewaju, who is arguably the youngest head coach in the 2024/2025 NPFL.
Last season’s corresponding fixture at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, was marred by an ugly incident, prompting the NPFL organisers to award maximum points and three goals to the Coal City Flying Antelopes. That decision derailed the two-time African champions’ quest for a 10th NPFL title.
Asked if he reflected on that controversial match ahead of Tuesday’s clash, Olanrewaju dismissed it.
“That belongs to history now. This is a new season. Please, I don’t have an answer for that,” he said with finality.
Tuesday’s draw leaves Enyimba in 6th place on the NPFL standings with 21 points, though they have two games in hand. Rangers, on the other hand, sit in 4th place with 24 points, level with Ikorodu City.
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Enyimba will now turn their attention to the continent, where they face Egyptian giants Zamalek in a CAF Confederation Cup Group D match day two fixture on Sunday.
Responding to how Enyimba plans to approach the game after three consecutive league draws and a CAF Confederation Cup loss to another Egyptian side, Al Masry, Olanrewaju expressed confidence in his team’s resilience.
“With what happened today and our performance in Egypt against Al Masry, you saw the players’ efforts. I think we’re in good shape to go into that game,” he said confidently.
“What happened here against Rangers will not drain us. Instead, we’ll put ourselves in a strong mentality heading into the game on Sunday against Zamalek.
“We just have to put this game behind us and focus on the next one.”
By Sab Osuji
