Monday might be the first workday of the week elsewhere, but in Aba, it’s a slow, almost sacred day of relaxation. A city driven by commerce, yet on Mondays, it takes a step back. Much like Aba, Enyimba FC also seems to be slowing down—no longer the dominant force that once struck fear into opponents.
Sunday’s Abia FA Cup final was supposed to be a straightforward win, a chance for Enyimba’s new management to claim their first NFF-recognized silverware. Instead, the match ended in humiliation, heartbreak, and yet another missed opportunity.
Enyimba Falters Against 10-Man Ahudiyannem FC
Enyimba faced non-league side Ahudiyannem FC in Umuahia, fielding a strong lineup that included Zalli Abdullahi in goal, Obichere, Pascal, Innocent, and Ikemdinachi in defense, and a midfield trio of Fatai, Ufere, and Akanni. Up front, Ihemekwele led the attack alongside Awazie and Nnachi. With a bench boasting names like Brown Ideye, Atule, and Ozoemena, there was no reason to expect anything other than a comfortable win.
But football loves an underdog story.
Disaster struck early for Enyimba. Star striker Ihemekwele suffered a serious injury just 18 minutes in, forcing Balogun to come on. Meanwhile, Ahudiyannem FC was reduced to 10 men—giving the Aba giants 72 minutes to assert their dominance. They failed.
For a club that has now eliminated an NPFL team twice in three years, Ahudiyannem FC smelled blood. Despite already securing a spot in the 2025 President’s Federation Cup, they fought like their lives depended on it. Enyimba, on the other hand, huffed and puffed but couldn’t break through.
Full-time: 0-0.
Penalty Heartbreak Seals Enyimba’s Fate
Penalties are a test of nerves, and Enyimba crumbled. Goalkeeper Ani, a 90th-minute substitute, managed one save, but it wasn’t enough. Balogun, Ikemdinachi, and Ufere all missed from the spot, handing Ahudiyannem FC a stunning 3-1 shootout victory.
A non-league side. With 10 men. Against the reigning NPFL champions. The magnitude of the upset is hard to ignore.
Enyimba’s Decline: Where Do They Go From Here?
Losing the State FA Cup might not be the biggest blow in itself, but failing to beat an “ordinary” non-league side raises serious questions about Enyimba’s future. Injuries, tactical confusion, and a lack of identity under Stanley Eguma have turned the once-feared club into an inconsistent, directionless team.
Was it Ihemekwele’s injury that changed everything? Did the team underestimate their opponents? Or is it simply a deeper issue—one that goes beyond just bad luck?
Eguma’s reign has stripped the team of its recognizable playing style. Under former coach Yema, there was at least a clear philosophy. Now? You could watch this Enyimba team for hours and still not identify a distinct approach.
What’s Next for Enyimba?
The team must quickly regroup, as a tough NPFL fixture against Shooting Stars looms on Wednesday. However, this latest failure adds to growing concerns about their season. If they can’t overcome a 10-man Ahudiyannem FC, how will they fare against stronger opposition?
Meanwhile, a final thought—what does “Ahudiyannem” even mean? Perhaps it’s a name Enyimba fans won’t forget anytime soon.
