Enyimba ended their 2025-26 Nigeria Premier League campaign in style with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over El Kanemi Warriors at the Enyimba International Stadium. The People’s Elephant delivered a dominant performance to finish the season on a high note, while El Kanemi were left to rue a disappointing display.

Match Overview

Enyimba took control from the outset, with their midfield trio of Ekene Awazie, Chinedu Udechukwu, and Michael Obinna dictating play. The opening goal came in the 14th minute when forward Victor Mbaoma headed home a cross from the left. The hosts doubled their lead just before half-time, with Udechukwu firing a low shot into the corner after a quick counter-attack.

The second half was more of the same, with Enyimba dominating possession and creating chances. The third goal arrived in the 67th minute when substitute Ifeanyi George tapped in from close range after a defensive mix-up. El Kanemi rarely threatened, and their best effort was a long-range shot that sailed over the crossbar.

Key Moments

• 14’ – Victor Mbaoma heads Enyimba into the lead.
• 41’ – Chinedu Udechukwu makes it 2-0 with a clinical finish.
• 67’ – Ifeanyi George adds a third after a defensive error.
• 83’ – El Kanemi’s Ibrahim Garba is sent off for a second bookable offence, capping a miserable day for the visitors.

Tactical Story

Enyimba’s 4-3-3 formation overwhelmed El Kanemi’s 5-4-1 defensive setup. The hosts used width effectively, with full-backs Austin Oladapo and Kenneth Ojukwu pushing high to provide crosses. The midfield trio pressed aggressively, forcing errors and quickly transitioning to attack. El Kanemi’s deep defensive line invited pressure, and they lacked the pace on the counter to trouble Enyimba’s backline.

Standout Players

• Chinedu Udechukwu (Enyimba) – Scored a goal and assisted another, showcasing his creativity and vision.
• Victor Mbaoma (Enyimba) – His early goal set the tone, and his hold-up play was excellent.
• Ekene Awazie (Enyimba) – The midfield anchor broke up play and started attacks with his passing range.

Standings Impact

The 3-0 win secured third place for Enyimba in the final NPFL standings, earning a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup. It was a strong finish for the two-time African champions, who will look to build on this momentum. El Kanemi ended the season in 16th, just above the relegation zone, and will need to strengthen their squad to avoid a drop next term.