By: Chinedum Ohanusi
Action in the 2024 calendar year, of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) ended yesterday with Enyimba Int’l FC of Aba and Bendel Insurance FC of Benin, having to settle for another frustrating goalless draw, at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba.
Being that it was the first game in charge, for veteran tactician, Stanley Eguma who took over from Yemi Olanrewaju, as Head Coach of the Aba People’s Elephant; and coupled with the eagerly anticipated second NPFL stint of former Super Eagles forward, Brown Ideye; many had their monies on Enyimba to win this one.
Eventually, Ideye had to start from the bench, and was only subbed on late in the second half; but nothing changed, and the Benin Arsenals were clearly the happier side, after the final whistle, and shared points.
The point gained by Enyimba, saw the record nine-time Nigerian champions move up two places to 9th, with 24 points; and with three games still outstanding.
On the other hand, Insurance hopped off the drop zone, and are now two places above the relegation zone; that’s 15th spot, with 21 points, and no game in hand.
It is therefore left to be seen, how Enyimba Int’l FC and Bendel Insurance FC will negotiate the second stanza of the league, after both traditional NPFL sides carried out changes in their managerial set-ups.
Bendel Insurance FC was the first to part with their Head Coach, Monday Odigie after a rough patch of unfavourable results.
The mid-season transfer window opens today, January 1, 2025; and according to organizers of the NPFL, second round action will resume on the weekend of January 23rd and 25th, 2025.
