Super Eagles coach reacts to Enyimba’s ‘scrap’ away win at Nasarawa United

The Aba Elephants capitalised on a fast start in Jos to pocket their first maximum points of the new league season

Enyimba FC coach George Finidi has expressed his delight at the manner of his team’s first win of the season after leading the Elephants to a thrilling 2-1 victory over Nasarawa United at the Jos International Stadium.

The visitors showed more quality and efficiency in the final third to head into the halftime break with a healthy two-goal lead courtesy of Elijah Akanni and Imoh Obot’s efforts.

But the second half was more closely fought with Josiah Oche’s 87th-minute strike for Nasarawa United setting up a tense last few minutes in Jos.

But Enyimba weathered the storm with gusto to earn their fourth win in their last seven meetings with the Lafia-based outfit.

What has been said?

George Finidi admits the win was not pretty because some of his players were nervous in the season opener.

But the Super Eagles assistant coach is quick to applaud his charges for putting up a good fight while noting the areas to improve in training.

“Being the first game a lot of players were a little bit nervous because nobody want to lose,” the former Ajax and Real Betis winger said, as per BSN. 

“We knew what happened in the Akwa United game, they were a little bit mindful but I must commend the boys.

“Nothing was wrong with us in the second half, if we have lost we would have answered such a question.

“Coming to play here, sometimes you have to scrap for it, we are expecting good football but sometimes it may not be possible.

“We did well in the first 45 minutes but because of that two-goal lead our boy stepped back and the pressure came, we have to work on that in the subsequent games.”

Two away victories have been recorded in the first two matches played in the 2022/23 Nigeria Premier Football League season.

Last weekend, newly-promoted Bendel Insurance stunned Akwa United 2-0 at the Nest of Champions in Uyo.