Still smarting from their victory at the recently concluded Nigeria Premier League (NPL) Super 6, where they won their ninth Nigerian topflight, a lot was expected from Enyimba at the ongoing Naija Super 8, particularly after seeing themselves in a relatively easier group with Remo Stars and the promoted duo of Katsina United and Sporting Lagos.
All eyes were on the reigning Nigerian champions and rightly too given their exploit in the just ended Nigerian league but unfortunately, after the conclusion of the round robbing games, Enyimba, like their predecessors in the league whom they dethroned, Rivers United, will be heading home.
The two times African champions started poorly in the curtain raiser when they lost 2-1 to fellow 2024 CAF.Champions League campaigners, Remo Stars. They followed that up with a draw against Sporting Lagos, with goalkeeper John Noble saving what could have been a decisive penalty goal from the Lagos side.
Needing outright win in their final group game against Katsina United to progress, the serial Nigerian champions dominated and started the brighter of the two but unfortunately lost the match 2-1, as they even trailed 2-0 before a dying minute consolation goal to make it 2-1
According to analysts, this maiden edition of the much-publicized Naija Super 8 has been both interesting, exciting and surprising as two of the biggest teams in Rivers United and Enyimba failed to make it beyond the group stage.
The Pride of Rivers are pooled alongside Akwa United, Yobe Stars and Lobi Stars and, like Enyimba, a lot was expected of the immediate past Nigerian champions but the Naija Super 8 has proven to be a tournament of surprises which underlined the desire of Flykite Production to come up with this innovation.
Thus it was an evening of surprises on Tuesday as newly promoted Sporting Lagos and Katsina United produced resolute performances to defeat league 2023 league champions and runner-up, Enyimba and Remo Stars in their Naija Super 8 Group B encounters, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, on Tuesday.
Katsina United defeated Enyimba International 2-1, while Sporting Lagos snatched a late 2-1 win over Remo Stars of Ikenne. The defeat ended Enyimba’s participation in the tournament, while Remo Stars’ hope of qualification hangs in the balance.
