Euromatch NPFL: Nine-Time Champions Enyimba Hit Historic Low Under Kanu

Nine-time Nigerian league champions Enyimba have plunged to a historic low, suffering four defeats from their opening four NPFL matches for the first time in 27 years.

The People’s Elephant’s latest setback was a 3-2 home defeat to newly promoted Sporting Lagos on Wednesday, leaving one of Nigeria’s most decorated clubs rooted to the bottom of the table without a single point.

It is a stunning start for a club that has won the Nigerian league nine times and the CAF Champions League twice, and is widely regarded as the most successful Nigerian club side.

Even more striking is that the club is currently led by Nigerian football legend Nwankwo Kanu, who took over as president of the Aba giants.

Enyimba had already lost to Niger Tornadoes and Doma United before suffering consecutive defeats at home to Inter Lagos and Sporting Lagos.

Against Sporting Lagos, Enyimba appeared on course to end their miserable run after Stanley Dimgba put them ahead shortly before half-time.

But the visitors struck back six minutes after the restart through Abdullahi Abdulraqeeb.

Tobi Ige Iyanda restored Enyimba’s lead from the penalty spot in the 54th minute, only for Haruna Hadi to equalise 11 minutes later.

Daniel Aboh then completed Sporting Lagos’ remarkable comeback with the winning goal in the 69th minute.

The defeat leaves the former African champions at the foot of the table after four matches, with no points to show for their efforts.

Enyimba’s alarming slide contrasts sharply with the early fortunes of Barau FC, who moved to the top of the table after defeating Abia Warriors 2-0.

Joseph Atule opened the scoring in the 22nd minute before Ibrahim Ayoola added a second in the 61st as the Maliya Boys moved to 11 points from five matches while remaining unbeaten.

Defending champions Rangers International also continued their strong start, edging Ranchers Bees 1-0 through Chidozie Iwundu’s late winner.

Rangers now have 10 points from four matches, one behind Barau with a game in hand.

Doma United dropped to third after being held 2-2 by Plateau United, while Bendel Insurance defeated Ikorodu City 2-1 in Benin City.

Kwara United beat Nasarawa United 2-1, Shooting Stars defeated Katsina United 2-0, and Inter Lagos held Kano Pillars to a 1-1 draw.

Niger Tornadoes and Warri Wolves played out a goalless draw in Minna.

The matchweek concludes on Thursday when Rivers United host Kun Khalifat FC at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.