Enyimba manager, Fatai Osho was full of praise for his side’s opponents after Tuesday’s (December 28) Abia derby.
The People’s Elephant pipped sister side, Abia Warriors 1-0 in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matchday 1 clash at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba.
Samad Kadiri’s well taken penalty proved adequate to hand the multiple champions the whole three points at stake in the hotly contested clash.
Osho however praised his wards warmly for coming out creditably from the heavy defeat at the Sudanese champions, Al-Merrikh in Omdurman to fight for the whole points against familiar foes.
“The players did very well though it could get better than it is at the moment but a lot of commendations have to go to Abia Warriors.
“They were far more organised and in a derby clash it does not come any thing easy or cheap.
“What you saw today (Tuesday) is a manifestation of a side coming from that type of heavy defeat at the continent, we needed to come out of our shells to play and fight for the whole points.
“I’m impressed they could come out the way they did to do something and nip the whole three points at stake,” said the former Remo Stars tactician.
Osho said his side are already wary going to llorin to confront Kwara United in the next NPFL matchup.
“Going to Kwara now is not going to be easy against a team that went to Jos to claim the whole three points at stake against former champions, Plateau United.
“Of course, their morale will be very high, we will see what we will do in Kwara to ensure we did not forfeit any point,” said Osho.
Enyimba’s new season starter victory against Abia Warriors will be a big boost as the countdown for their continent engagement against the Sudanese giants, Al-Merrikh draws nearer on January 06.
