Enyimba 4-2 Shooting Stars | NPFL 2026/27 | Enyimba International Stadium, Aba
Enyimba had lost to Niger Tornadoes, Doma United and Inter Lagos, then drawn 0-0 with Kano Pillars on September 27. On Wednesday night in Aba, the nine-time champions finally got their first win of the season, and they did it in style.
Background
The game was a rescheduled Matchday 2 fixture, postponed so Shooting Stars could focus on their CAF Confederation Cup commitments. With Enyimba still searching for a first win, the pressure on the People’s Elephant was obvious.
First half: Enyimba take control
The home side struck early. Richard Ezinna opened the scoring in the seventh minute after Enyimba won the ball through a high press. The goal settled the nerves, and the hosts kept coming.
Damian Chibueze made it 2-0 in the 29th minute with a long-range strike. Idris Abubakar added a third in the 36th. Odinaka Obichere provided the assist for Abubakar’s goal. Enyimba went into the break 3-0 up.
Second half: a fourth, then a late scare
Four minutes after the restart, Ifeanyi Ihemekwele made it 4-0 in the 49th minute. It was his first goal for Enyimba in eight months, following a long injury layoff, and it came after a pass from winger William Wonah.
At 4-0, the game looked finished. But Shooting Stars, who made changes from the bench, pulled two goals back. Substitute Mustapha Adams Agba’a scored in the 76th minute, and Johnmark Aule added another in stoppage time (90+1′). It wasn’t enough to take anything from the game, but it did leave Enyimba’s coaches with something to work on.
Reaction and what’s next
The assistant coach said the team had been working on goal scoring, but admitted Enyimba must improve defensively after conceding twice from a four-goal lead. That is a fair assessment. The attack clicked, but a 4-0 lead should not turn into a nervy finish.
Enyimba now prepare to face Plateau United in their next league game. The win gives them momentum and confidence after a tough start. The challenge now is to carry that attacking form into the next match and tighten up at the back.
Match details
Enyimba: Richard Ezinna 7′, Damian Chibueze 29′, Idris Abubakar 36′, Ifeanyi Ihemekwele 49′
Shooting Stars: Mustapha Adams Agba’a 76′, Johnmark Aule 90+1′
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