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The former Ajax star watched on as his side kicked off their Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) campaign with a win.
Enyimba coach Finidi George has praised his players following their 2-1 win over Nasarawa United on Saturday afternoon. The People’s Elephant kicked off their NPFL season with a superb win over Nasarawa United at the New Jos Stadium.
Enyimba got off to a good start as former MFM star Elijah Akanni put them ahead in the 32nd minute before Imo Obot made it two in the 37th minute for a two-goal lead at half-time.
Nasarawa's late goal not enough to deny Enyimba
Nasarawa, who were the home team but were playing away from home, did come out charging in the second half but had to wait until three minutes from time before pulling one back. The late goal set up a nervy finish, but the former champions held on for an opening-day win.
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Following the game, Finidi, who was in the dugout praised his players' performance and defended their second-half display, saying it was expected to happen.
Finidi happy with Enyimba's victory
The former Real Betis winger, who also functions as Super Eagles' assistant coach, said some of his players were nervous because it was the first game of the season.
“Being the first game a lot of players were a little bit nervous because nobody want to lose,” Finidi said after the game.
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“We knew what happened in the Akwa United game, they were a little bit mindful but I must commend the boys.
“Nothing was wrong with us in the second half, if we have lost we would have answered such a question.
“Coming to play here, sometimes you have to scrap for it, we are expecting good football but sometimes it may not be possible.
“We did well in the first 45 minutes but because of that two-goal lead our boy stepped back and the pressure came, we have to work on that in the subsequent games,” Finidi added.
The win takes Enyimba to second on the embryonic table, behind the newly-promoted Bendel Insurance, who beat Akwa United 2-0 away from home last week. The Aba-based side will return to action on Wednesday when they take on rivals Akwa United in their second league game.
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