Except for the lack of goals, match week four of the NPFL briefing delivered. From the Southwest derby to the clash of former champions, fans across the country were thrilled by the stars. Bendel Insurance and Sporting had their unbeaten streak ended while Doma United got a rest with Enyimba making their debut in the AFL. Here’s our review of the biggest talking points from the game week.
Where Have The Goals Gone?
Between profligacy and some solid defending, the goals have dried up in the NPFL. From 23 that were scored in the opening weekend, we are down to 13 in the most recent game week and the drop has been consistent. There were 20 goals scored in the second week(plus 2 scored by Rivers in their outstanding against Remo). That number dropped by two the next week before the meager 13 from game week 4.
While one might want to credit the defenders and goalkeepers for reducing that number, the data show that there have been more than enough chances to score more goals. There were 115 shots from the 7 games that were streamed by Propel this weekend and only 13 resulted in goals. That’s a very poor 11.3% in shot conversion.
So far, 74 goals have been scored from 38 games, that’s an average of 1.95 per game. That’s decent but it’s still some distance from the 2.10, 2.05, and 2.08 from the last three seasons. We love to see good defensive actions but football is about goals, the attackers should step up.
The ‘New School’ Derby Delivered On Its Promise.
With sublime plays, a beautiful assist, and an incredible tactical battle, the first South-west derby of the season lived up to the hype it had built going into the fourth week of the NPFL season. Daniel Ogunmodede and Paul Offor showed why they are rated highly by followers of the league. It was an even first half with both managers countering each other’s systematic approach.
Offor went with 3 defenders with Godwin Odibo and Clement Naantuam holding the width as wing backs. That was a direct counter to Ogunmodede’s preferred wing-back system from last season but it’s also something Paul has flirted with this season. That system proved fruitful for both coaches with Sodiq Ismail and Clement creating the goals in the first half.
It wasn’t exactly a full stadium but there were lots of fans backing their teams and creating a derby-like atmosphere. The return leg is still some months away but it’s already high on my list of games to see.
Unbeaten Lobi Flourishing Under Agagbe.
While everyone else was focused on the first South-west derby of the season and Enyimba’s debut in the Africa Football League, Eugene Agagbe and his men recorded another routine win against Abia Warriors. The Makurdi-based side is showing that their ‘shoe get size’ by delivering fitting performances so far.
The 1999 champions are the only side yet to taste defeat this season with two wins and two draws from their first four games. They have scored the most goals and have the best home record, despite playing in their adopted base in Lafia. The decision to not bring in a new manager and to stick with Agagbe already looks like the right one.
Kwara Rewrite Wrong With Beautiful MOTM Award
When they missed the plot two weeks ago, I was one of those who called them out, so it is only right that when they come good, I also sing their praise. Kwara United came strong with their MOTM award presentation. Not only did they get a befitting plaque for the occasion, but the pictures were also crispier. Nice one Kwara, Long may this continue.
MOTM award was given to Alao Mohammed of Kwara United FC.
He levelled the score with a tunder boat strike to salvage a draw for Kwara United against Enugu Rangers.#NPFL24 pic.twitter.com/Ud7xJwkU4o
— Michael Odetunde (@OdeSport_1) October 22, 2023
Osho And Obi Risking Ultimatums?
I get the feeling that we are not far away from the first of the customary ultimatums by club management to technical advisers and it’s probably going to be for Fatai Osho or Christian Obi. Both managers are the only coaches yet to register a win this season after four games and the fans of Akwa United and Heartland are beginning to worry about what the problem could be.
For Akwa, it’s a bit clearer. They are creating enough chances to win games but wastefulness has ensured they blanked in both of their home games. And when they have scored on away days, their leaky defense has been their biggest undoing. For Heartland, it’s all kinds of problems. They are yet to keep a clean sheet this season and teams are coming to the Dan Anyiam feeling like they can win or at least get a decent result. The quality of the squad also is questionable.
It’s still early days but these managers have to turn the corner quickly. Another week of poor results and the draft might just be coming out.
There Is Trouble In Aba.
What’s more to say that you probably have not read or seen online? Is it the fact that the champion of the Nigerian league put in a tepid performance in their biggest game yet this season? Or should we talk about the branding(or lack of it) by the supposed biggest team in the country?
This is an Enyimba FC player playing at the highest level of the African Football League with a jersey name and number written with paint or something…
This embarrassment is not only for the club, but also for the entire nation.
Shameful! pic.twitter.com/crWSgN1Iz5
— Nsidibe Akpan (@nsidibeakpan23) October 22, 2023
For what it’s worth, Enyimba might have singlehandedly closed the door to Nigerian teams participating in the next edition of the Africa Football League. Kanu Nwankwo and his band of inexperienced board members are rubbishing everything Enyimba stands for and disgracing the nation on a global scale, the question now is for how long will this embarrassment continue?