Enyimba Unperturbed Of Losing Unbeaten Toga

In spite of surrendering its unbeaten run after 10 games in the Premier League, Enyimba, has declared that the loss to Niger Tornadoes that ended its impressive form would not affect it in subsequent games.

Head coach of the club, Okey Emordi, told Naijaligue.blogspot.com that the 2 – 3 loss in Kaduna could turn out to be the turning point in the season of the Peoples Elephant.

Emordi though praised Niger Tornadoes for fighting throughout the encounter in order to garner all three points in a keenly-contested tie.

“It was a very tight game, I must say. We were really given a real battle by Niger Tornadoes and it was something we expected from them. Equally we did put up a great fight in ensuring that we get something from that game but unfortunately it did not happen the way we would have wished. I must say that we never set out to lose that game because we wanted to win and also extend our unbeaten record. But we have lost that now and I don’t think it would dampen the confidence in the team to do well and even win the league this season because that has always been our target before the season started and we are on course to achieving that,” the former Enugu Rangers’ manager offered.

In the game played at the Kaduna Township Stadium on Sunday afternoon after it could no longer hold on Saturday, the Peoples Elephant’s Valentine Nwabili turned the ball into his own goal inside the first quarter of the game before Usman Mohammed doubled the home side’s lead in the 40th minute.

When it looked like Niger Tornadoes would be coasting home to a two-goal lead, Osas Idehen gave the Peoples Elephant a lifeline by converting a second half spot-kick for his seventh goal of the campaign in 10 appearances.

At that point Enyimba threw more men forward in search of the equalizer, and was made to pay for it when Eugene Salami netted Tornadoes’ third of the game and his third of the season. 

However, Peter Onoja reduced the gap between Enyimba and Tornadoes and the visiting side tried to battle its way back without success.

Emordi expressed happiness with the way his side battled throughout the game, he, however, wished that the result was different.

“My players did well and I think a few mistakes caused us this game and we will take that as lessons for our next game. But it would have been different if you look at the way we played,” the Enyimba manager told Naijaligue.blogspot.com.