Enyimba’s hopes of returning to continental football were reignited following a crucial 2-0 win over Kwara United on Matchday 36 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.
With just two matches left in the 2024/2025 campaign, the Aba-based side remains firmly in contention for a top-three finish.
Their latest victory, secured through a first-half brace from veteran forward Brown Ideye, pushed them into fifth place on the league table.
Enyimba now sit two points adrift of Abia Warriors in third and trail Ikorodu City by a single point.
Team captain Paschal Eze reaffirmed the club’s focus on securing continental qualification, stating that the league represents their only realistic route to achieving that goal.
“We only have the championship as a possibility to return to continental competition,” Eze said. “That has been our motivation, and it continues to drive us as we head into the final two games.”
Coach Stanley Eguma echoed his captain’s sentiments, praising the commitment and discipline of the squad during a challenging season.
A seasoned manager with significant experience in African club competitions, Eguma noted that although the team has not consistently hit its peak performance levels, the players are beginning to gel at a crucial moment.
“We are improving at the right time,” he remarked. “There’s a growing cohesion in the team, and if we continue with this form, I believe we can achieve our goal.”
Enyimba’s campaign has been marked by inconsistency, but the recent upturn in form has come at a pivotal point. The pressure of chasing a continental spot has not deterred the players, who have shown resilience in tight fixtures over recent weeks.
The win against Kwara United, powered by Ideye’s clinical finishing, underlined the team’s renewed attacking threat and defensive solidity.
With the league entering its final stretch, Enyimba’s message is clear: the push for the top three is far from over. The club, which boasts nine NPFL titles, is determined to return to the continental stage where it has historically left a significant mark.
Looking ahead, Enyimba face a tough away fixture against Nasarawa United in Gombe on Matchday 37. The outcome of that encounter could prove decisive in their campaign.
A victory would not only keep them in contention but potentially elevate them into the top three, depending on the results of their direct rivals.
Coach Eguma stressed the importance of focus and consistency. “We can’t afford any slip-ups now. Every game is a final, and we need to approach it with that mentality,” he said.
As the season nears its conclusion, Enyimba’s ambitions remain alive, fuelled by recent momentum and the desire to return to Africa’s elite club competitions. Their final matches will determine whether their late-season surge is enough to secure a coveted spot on the continental stage.
