Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Tunde Eludini
Published on 2024-04-17 08:17:06
Legendary Nigerian footballers Finidi George and Emmanuel Amuneke brought excitement to the Nigeria Premier Football League match between Enyimba and Heartland in Aba. Both former players are in the running for the vacant Super Eagles head coach position after Jose Peseiro’s departure, who led the national team to the AFCON 2023 final but did not secure a contract renewal with the Nigeria Football Federation.
Despite their competition for the coaching role, George and Amuneke displayed sportsmanship by warmly embracing each other at the Enyimba International Stadium. The NPFL has seen a resurgence in fan attendance at the stadium, with many also watching the matches on TV through Startimes’ Beta Sports Channel 244, dedicated to NPFL coverage.
Enyimba emerged victorious in the Oriental Derby, defeating Heartland FC 1-0, a critical match on matchday 30 of the NPFL. Ekene Awaziem scored the winning goal for Enyimba in the 35th minute, assisted by Chigozie Chilekwu. This result dealt a blow to Heartland’s fight against relegation.
After the match, Enyimba coach Finidi George praised his team for securing a double win over their regional rivals. He acknowledged the tough competition but expressed satisfaction with the performance and the victory.
Despite missing several goal-scoring opportunities, George admitted being concerned about Heartland’s attacking threats but was relieved that the match ended in their favor. With a touch of humor, George shared that he had told his players to win the game for his birthday, which they did. He also highlighted the team’s ongoing injury struggles, which led to strategic defensive adjustments for the match.
Following the victory, Enyimba moved up to the second position in the league standings with 51 points. In contrast, Heartland remained in the relegation zone, occupying the 19th position with only 26 points after 30 matches.
The presence of legendary players like Finidi George and Emmanuel Amuneke added to the excitement of the NPFL match, showcasing the rich football talent in Nigeria. As the league continues to attract more fans and viewers, the competition remains fierce, with each match bringing its share of drama and excitement. The future looks promising for Nigerian football, with experienced figures like George and Amuneke contributing to the sport’s growth and development.
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