Chris Maduewesi
Member
Exactly ten years ago today, Enyimba International won back to back CAF Champions League titles.
An unprecedented feat in the history of Nigerian football, the People's Elephant did what no other Nigerian club has been able to do, even up till this moment, win the highest prize in continental club competition.
It was an epoch making occasion at then newly built Abuja national stadium, with an overflowing crowd, Enyimba survived a scare to lift the trophy, and a victory that warmed their way into the hearts of many Nigerians.
Like it was the case in 2003 when Enyimba had to squeeze out water from the rock in the game against Ismaili FC in the double-legged finals, they still fought through thick and thin to win.
What went for Enyimba was the fact that some of the top players they had the season before were still there the following year. to see through the campaign.
The likes of Muri Ogunbiyi, Obinna Nwaner, Ndidi Anumudu, Emeka Nwana and many others were still on board.
And against Tunisian side Etoile Du Sahel, Enyimba met another strong opposition in the finals whom exuded everything a top team portrayed, in fact they came up against players of Nigerian descent,who understand the Nigerian system: Emeka Opara and Austin Ejide.
In the 2003 final, Enyimba defeated Ismaili 2-0 in Aba, then went to Egypt and conjured up the best defending from any away team, withstanding stifling conditions from the home team, and losing 1-0, but it was just enough for a 2-1 aggregate win that secured the trophy for everyone.
However the subsequent triumph in 2004 was more appealing, one because it was done on home soil, with all the top government dignatries in attendance. Two, because of the manner the win came about.
With both teams locked at 2-1 apiece(3-3 aggregate), penalty beckoned.
Nigerians witnessed the fact a goalkeeper can actually be subbed for another with the foresight of a penalty shoot-out.
Coach Okey Emordi pulled out Vincent Enyeama(perceived as a weaker penalty stopper) for Dele Aiyenugba( nicknamed the 'cat' and a penalty stopper).
It has been a masterstroke that has worked for Enyimba, Emordi first deployed the technique against another Tunisian side, Esperance in the semifinal, and then repeated it in the finals.
Aiyenugba made one save against Etoile's Sabeur Ben Frej and Obinna Nwaneri converted the last decisive kick as the stadium went into raptures.
And it now seems like eternity since Enyimba last achieved that feat, but this happened only a decade ago.
The significance of Enyimba's win further underlined the strength of the Nigerian league if properly marketed.
Kudos should go to then Governor of Abia State Orji Uzor Kalu, who saw the potential in Enyimba and invested massively to help them become successful.
With Enyimba going back to the continent next season, one can only hope the replicate such success again.
An unprecedented feat in the history of Nigerian football, the People's Elephant did what no other Nigerian club has been able to do, even up till this moment, win the highest prize in continental club competition.
It was an epoch making occasion at then newly built Abuja national stadium, with an overflowing crowd, Enyimba survived a scare to lift the trophy, and a victory that warmed their way into the hearts of many Nigerians.
Like it was the case in 2003 when Enyimba had to squeeze out water from the rock in the game against Ismaili FC in the double-legged finals, they still fought through thick and thin to win.
What went for Enyimba was the fact that some of the top players they had the season before were still there the following year. to see through the campaign.
The likes of Muri Ogunbiyi, Obinna Nwaner, Ndidi Anumudu, Emeka Nwana and many others were still on board.
And against Tunisian side Etoile Du Sahel, Enyimba met another strong opposition in the finals whom exuded everything a top team portrayed, in fact they came up against players of Nigerian descent,who understand the Nigerian system: Emeka Opara and Austin Ejide.
In the 2003 final, Enyimba defeated Ismaili 2-0 in Aba, then went to Egypt and conjured up the best defending from any away team, withstanding stifling conditions from the home team, and losing 1-0, but it was just enough for a 2-1 aggregate win that secured the trophy for everyone.
However the subsequent triumph in 2004 was more appealing, one because it was done on home soil, with all the top government dignatries in attendance. Two, because of the manner the win came about.
With both teams locked at 2-1 apiece(3-3 aggregate), penalty beckoned.
Nigerians witnessed the fact a goalkeeper can actually be subbed for another with the foresight of a penalty shoot-out.
Coach Okey Emordi pulled out Vincent Enyeama(perceived as a weaker penalty stopper) for Dele Aiyenugba( nicknamed the 'cat' and a penalty stopper).
It has been a masterstroke that has worked for Enyimba, Emordi first deployed the technique against another Tunisian side, Esperance in the semifinal, and then repeated it in the finals.
Aiyenugba made one save against Etoile's Sabeur Ben Frej and Obinna Nwaneri converted the last decisive kick as the stadium went into raptures.
And it now seems like eternity since Enyimba last achieved that feat, but this happened only a decade ago.
The significance of Enyimba's win further underlined the strength of the Nigerian league if properly marketed.
Kudos should go to then Governor of Abia State Orji Uzor Kalu, who saw the potential in Enyimba and invested massively to help them become successful.
With Enyimba going back to the continent next season, one can only hope the replicate such success again.