Former Super Eagles Goalkeeper Inspires Kwara United Past Enyimba

The People’s Elephant succumbed to their second loss of the 2020-21 season at the hands of a Dele Aiyenugba-inspired Afonja Warriors

Former Enyimba International FC goalkeeper Dele Aiyenugba guided Kwara United to a 1-0 victory over his former club during an NPFL clash at the Kwara Sports Complex, Ilorin, on Wednesday.

The game’s winning goal arrived in the fifth minute when Steven Jude converted from close range, with the visitors disappointed that the offside flag didn’t rise to their rescue.

But Aiyenugba produced one of the highlights of the opening period when he made an outstanding save, diving to his left to deny Enyimba’s Stephen Manyo from leveling the scores in the 10th minute.

The former Nigeria international made a string of other fine saves, including stopping a decent Anayo freekick seemingly destined for the top corner just past the hour mark. 

Aiyenugba would be pleased with that narrow win over his former employers.

The 37-year-old spent six years at Enyimba in the early 2000s, which coincided with the club’s most successful period in history.

Serving mostly as Vincent Enyeama’s deputy and Enyimba’s official penalty saver, Aiyenugba played his part as the Aba giants claimed two consecutive CAF Champions League trophies in 2003 and 2004.

The former Kwara Stars gloveman also lifted four Nigeria Premier League crowns and the 2005 FA Cup before jetting out of Nigeria to join Bnei Yehuda in 2007.

And after 13 seasons in Israel with four teams, including Hapoel Ashkelon, Hapoel Iksal, and Hapoel Afula, Aiyenugba returned to Nigeria ahead of the 2020-21 season to team up with Kwara United.