Enyimba vs Akwa United: Promise Keepers fail again as People's Elephant win 5-goal thriller

Fatai Osho's return to Enyimba ended in a painful defeat. (Photo Credit:

FOOTBALL Enyimba vs Akwa United: Promise Keepers fail again as People's Elephant win 5-goal thriller

Enyimba vs Akwa United: Promise Keepers fail again as People's Elephant win 5-goal thriller

Izuchukwu Akawor • 20:49 - 15.10.2023

Akwa United's nightmare continues after falling to Enyimba in a thrilling encounter in the NPFL.

Alaibo Somiari was the hero in a heart-pounding encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats between Enyimba and Akwa United.

Both teams delivered a thrilling five-goal spectacle that lived up to the game pre-match hype following a 3-2 win for the defending champions, Enyimba.

Enyimba’s Early dominance

With both sides in need of a win after a winless start to the season, it was the hosts who began on the front foot and showed early promise. 

Enyimba launched attacks on the United defense and reaped the fruits following two goals in the first quarter of the game.

Two identical goals from Gabriel Innocent and Mbaoma Chijioke saw the People’s Elephant flying high in front of the home fans, who were in full voice, celebrating the early success of their champions. 

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Promise Keepers roar back

Before the game, Akwa United promised to shoot their shots but after 15 minutes, the Fatai Osho side looked dead and gone. 

However, just before the break, the Promise Keepers got a lifeline when Kufre Ebong pulled one back in added tie of the first half. 

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Enyimba started the day at the bottom of the table in the NPFL. Image Credit: Imago African Football League: Enyimba to battle Wydad Casablanca

After the break, United looked rejuvenated and more determined and were not ready to let the Elephants steal the spotlight easily. 

With that determination and renewed energy, the Promise Keepers finally completed the comeback with another goal of their own.

David Philip netted the equaliser to silence the home fans in Aba as the match quickly turned into a back-and-forth battle as both teams exhibited remarkable attacking intent. 

Elephants Triumph

In the final act of this electrifying showdown, it was Enyimba who had the last laugh. With 21 minutes to go, an astonishing strike and precision from Somiari saw the hosts seal the win with an excellent free kick that left everyone in awe. 

Akwa United are still without a win this season in the NPFL. (Photo Credit: Akwa United/X)

In the end, Enyimba sealed their first win of the NPFL season, much to the delight of their fans. 

The Promise Keepers may have fulfilled their promise with a gallant display and two goals scored, but the Elephants proved to be too good and strong on this exhilarating day of football. 

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Enyimba NPFL Akwa United