When people watch football, they look out for different things- goals, flair, grit, clean sheets, or a dramatic win. But when I travelled to Aba to watch the NPFL clash between Enyimba and Rivers United on Sunday, October 5, 2025, I wanted just one thing- to see good old Nigerian league football.
Our travelling party from Port Harcourt included Mba Kalu, Olalekan Ige, Peter Abaje, Emeka Dennar, and Faith Oluchi. We left by 1 p.m. and, barely an hour and a half later, drove through the gates of the Enyimba International Stadium.
A Rivalry That Runs Deep
The rivalry between Enyimba and clubs from Rivers State- Sharks, Eagle Cement, Dolphins, or Rivers United has always been fierce. My first taste of it came in 1989 when Sharks faced Enyimba at the old Civic Centre, then known as Sharks Stadium, in Port Harcourt.
Both teams were in Division 2, fighting for promotion. The stands were jam-packed, and I left the University of Port Harcourt, where I was a second-year student, just to witness the drama. From the popular side where I stood, Rivers men taunted Aba fans with post–civil war jibes. The war had ended nearly two decades earlier, yet the rivalry had found new life in football. Sharks eventually won 3-0, with Finidi George bossing the midfield.
Two years later, I watched another fierce encounter- Sharks versus Enyimba at the Liberation Stadium (now Yakubu Gowon Stadium). Enyimba won 2- 1, and that match ended in chaos, with the referee attacked by irate Sharks fans an left for dead. Over the years, Dolphins joined the fray, and in 2004, they famously beat Enyimba 1- 0 in Aba, with Victor Ezeji scoring early and sealing a memorable win.
Fast Forward to 2025
This recent fixture came with its own subplots. Enyimba’s coach, Stanley Eguma, was sacked by Rivers United just last year and surely wanted revenge. Rivers United’s boss, Finidi George, had only a year earlier resigned from Enyimba to take the Super Eagles job. To add spice, Rivers United’s assistant coach, Yemi Olanrewaju, was head coach of Enyimba last season.
Beyond that, both sides came into the game as the only unbeaten teams in the league- a proper heavyweight contest.
Where Are the Fans?
Sadly, as has become the norm in the South, turnout was poor. One hour before kickoff, the terraces were nearly empty. By kickoff, the crowd had barely filled a quarter of the stands, a far cry from the roaring atmosphere this rivalry once commanded.
Before kickoff, I exchanged greetings with Olanrewaju, Ahmed Abdulrahman, and Christopher Green. Then the battle began.
A Tactical Chess Match
The game was tight and tactical, with both sides cautious, especially Rivers United. Finidi’s road strategy has barely changed- defend deep, build slowly, strike fast, then retreat into shape. It worked. His team may not have registered a single shot on target, but they were comfortable all through.
Rivers United’s back four of Isaac Annor, Taiwo Abdulrafiu, Ogbu Ogechukwu, and Stephen Manyo were disciplined and composed. Their defensive midfielder, Boluwaji David, provided solid cover, while former Enyimba men Manyo and Ogechukwu seemed to know every blade of grass.
However, their attacking play was dreadful. Just as in Uyo a week earlier against Aigle FC of Congo, Rivers United’s frontline of Maclyn Biokpo, Taofeek Otaniyi, and Friday Ubong huffed and puffed but rarely threatened.
The Enyimba Spark
On the Enyimba side, one name lit up the afternoon, and it was Kalu Nweke, wearing number 10. By the 15th minute, my companion Kingsley Olisa turned to me and said, “This boy is very good.”
Nweke’s close control, confidence, and vision were outstanding. His passing range stretched the Rivers United midfield, and Boluwaji David had to stay alert all game to contain him. Signed from Enugu Rangers two seasons ago, Nweke looks destined for bigger things, and Rangers will regret letting him go.
Despite Nweke’s brilliance and Enyimba’s attacking trio of John Bassey, Kingsley Madufuro, and Stanley Dimgba working tirelessly, they couldn’t break through.
A handball appeal inside the Rivers United box was waved off by the referee. Later, Stanley Dimgba thought he had scored, but the assistant referee’s flag denied him for offside.
A Goalless, Gritty Battle
At the final whistle, it ended goalless. The Enyimba fans were frustrated, Rivers United fans satisfied with a point, and for me? I saw what I came for: good old Nigerian league football.
It wasn’t the perfect game, but it was real. It was gritty. It was ours.
My next stop? Either Yenagoa or Umuahia — because the NPFL still has stories waiting to be told.
Addendum:
The Enyimba number 10 remains one of the brightest young playmakers I’ve seen in the NPFL this season — a player far ahead of his peers. Rivers United, on the other hand, have mastered defensive organization but desperately need creativity going forward.
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