Enyimba FC forward Edidiong Ezekiel has made a heartfelt appeal to the club's passionate supporters, urging for patience as the team prepares for the second half of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
A Season of Transition for the People's Elephant
The call comes despite the team ending the first stanza on a high note with a commanding 3-0 victory over Shooting Stars in Aba on December 28. Ezekiel was on the scoresheet in that Matchday 19 fixture, which provided a much-needed boost for the fans of the two-time African champions.
However, the broader picture reveals a campaign that has fallen short of the club's legendary standards. Enyimba currently sits in eighth position on the league table, having gathered 24 points from 19 matches. This mid-table standing is a stark contrast to the trophy-chasing expectations usually associated with the Aba giants.
Rebuilding After a Mass Exodus
In an honest assessment, Ezekiel pointed to a significant overhaul of the squad as the primary reason for the inconsistent performances. The club witnessed a mass departure of 22 players at the conclusion of the previous season, forcing a major rebuild.
"In my opinion, if you noticed, Enyimba this season is almost an entirely new team," the former Nigeria U-23 international explained. "So, we need time to adapt to the philosophy of the coach and to have the understanding within ourselves. Football is a game of patience; we need to have patience."
Promising Signs and Future Ambitions
The 24-year-old striker, who previously played for Remo Stars and Akwa United, remains optimistic. He highlighted visible improvements in recent outings as a sign of things to come.
"So, we urge the fans to have patience, gradually we will be good to go," Ezekiel assured. "You've seen that in the previous games – the last three, four games – we are improving every day."
Looking ahead to the second stanza, Ezekiel outlined his personal mission at the club, which aligns with the aspirations of every Enyimba supporter. "Personally, I want Enyimba fans to always be happy when they come to watch us," he said. "So, my aim here is not just to play for Enyimba, it is to make sure I help take the club to where it belongs – the top."
The message from the versatile forward is clear: while the start has been challenging, the foundation is being laid for Enyimba to rediscover its winning ways and climb back to the summit of Nigerian football.
