Enyimba Football Club of Aba delivered a commanding performance on Sunday, defeating the Black Bulls of Mozambique 4-1 in a CAF Confederation Cup group stage match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. The emphatic win avenged their December 2024 3-0 loss to the Mozambican side in Maputo and reignited hopes of progression for the Elephants.

The Elephants made their intentions clear early, with Joseph Atule breaking the deadlock in the sixth minute to give the home crowd a reason to cheer. However, their joy was short-lived as E. Ifoni capitalized on defensive lapses to equalize for the Black Bulls in the 12th minute.

Undeterred, Enyimba regained their lead on the stroke of halftime, thanks to a composed finish from Ifeanyi Ihemekwele, ensuring the hosts went into the break 2-1 up.

In the second half, Enyimba turned up the heat with a more aggressive attacking approach. Former Super Eagles striker and marquee signing Brown Ideye marked his CAF Confederation Cup debut with a sensational solo effort in the 67th minute, dribbling past the goalkeeper to make it 3-1.

The game was put beyond doubt in the 89th minute when Joseph Atule added his second goal of the match, sealing a dominant 4-1 victory for the Nigerian champions.

Opinion: A Turning Point for Enyimba?

This victory not only boosts Enyimba’s chances in Group D but also demonstrates the team’s resilience and adaptability. The addition of experienced players like Brown Ideye seems to be paying dividends, with the veteran striker showing flashes of brilliance that could prove vital in upcoming matches.

Enyimba’s ability to bounce back from a heavy loss in the reverse fixture is a testament to the team’s character and tactical adjustments by the coaching staff. However, defensive lapses that allowed the Black Bulls to score so early need to be addressed if the Elephants aim to progress further in the competition.

Looking Ahead

With this win, Enyimba has injected fresh energy into their campaign and a sense of belief among their fans. As they prepare for their next group-stage fixture, consistency will be key to securing a spot in the knockout rounds.

The victory in Uyo serves as a reminder of Enyimba’s pedigree as one of Africa’s most successful clubs and their potential to make a deep run in this year’s CAF Confederation Cup.