Enyimba fought back to earn a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Shooting Stars in a Matchday 26 clash of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Wednesday. The encounter, held at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba, saw both teams share the spoils in a match where momentum swung back and forth.
The result extends Enyimba’s recent struggles, as they have now gone three matches without a victory. On the other hand, Shooting Stars also find themselves in a rough patch, having failed to secure a win in their last four league outings.
Shooting Stars Strike First
The visitors, Shooting Stars, began the match with an aggressive approach, pushing forward in search of an early breakthrough. Their efforts paid off when Sodiq Ibrahim found the back of the net, giving his team the lead and silencing the Aba faithful.
Shooting Stars, who have historically found it difficult against Enyimba, seemed determined to change their fortunes. They pressed high, controlled possession, and looked dangerous on the counterattack, making it a tough first half for the hosts.
Enyimba Responds Through Awazie
Despite conceding first, Enyimba showed resilience and gradually worked their way back into the game. Their persistence was rewarded three minutes before halftime when in-form striker Ekenne Awazie netted the equalizer.
Awazie, who has been in red-hot form, took his tally to four goals in his last four league appearances. His ability to find the net consistently has been a bright spot for Enyimba in what has otherwise been a challenging run of fixtures.
A Second Half Without Goals but Full of Intensity
The second half saw both teams pushing for a winner, with Enyimba looking to capitalize on their home advantage and Shooting Stars hoping to end their poor run against the People’s Elephant. However, neither side could find the breakthrough despite creating several opportunities.
Enyimba attempted to dominate possession, while Shooting Stars relied on quick transitions to threaten the opposition’s defense. Goalkeepers from both teams were called into action, making crucial saves to keep the score level.
Shooting Stars’ Struggles Against Enyimba Continue
With this draw, Shooting Stars have now failed to defeat Enyimba in their last seven NPFL meetings. The historic dominance of Enyimba over the Ibadan-based club continues, as Shooting Stars once again left Aba without maximum points.
For a team looking to establish itself as a top contender, Shooting Stars must find a way to overcome their struggles against Enyimba, especially in crucial league fixtures.
Winless Runs Continue for Both Clubs
While Enyimba managed to avoid defeat, they will be disappointed with yet another result that leaves them without a victory in their last three games. The reigning NPFL champions have been inconsistent in recent weeks, and their inability to secure all three points at home adds to their frustrations.
Shooting Stars, on the other hand, have now gone four consecutive games without a win. Their promising start to the campaign has been overshadowed by their current struggles, and they will need to turn things around quickly to keep their aspirations alive.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams?
With the NPFL season moving into its decisive stages, both clubs will be eager to get back to winning ways in their upcoming fixtures.
Enyimba will need to regroup and find solutions to their recent struggles if they are to maintain their push for a strong finish in the league. The team has shown glimpses of their attacking prowess, but defensive lapses and inconsistent performances have hindered their progress.
Shooting Stars, meanwhile, must rediscover their winning touch. Their inability to secure victories has seen them slip down the table, and they will need to address their shortcomings in order to stay competitive.
As both teams prepare for their next matches, the stakes will be high. Will Enyimba bounce back and reclaim their dominant form, or will Shooting Stars finally break their winless streak and put their struggles behind them? The coming weeks will provide the answers.
