By Mbah Emmanuel Nnaemeka
Football fever returned to Owerri in spectacular fashion on Sunday as Kun Khalifat FC marked their long-awaited homecoming with a statement 1–0 victory over previously unbeaten Enyimba International in a fiery Oriental Derby at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.
It was a day of redemption and roar for the Pride of Imo, who not only celebrated their first home game of the season but also claimed their first-ever NPFL derby win against the Aba giants — in front of a packed, thunderous crowd.
The atmosphere was electric from the first whistle. Fans filled the stands hours before kickoff, drums and chants echoing across Owerri as Khalifat’s players responded with an aggressive, high-tempo start.
The home side thought they had opened the scoring early after a goalmouth melee, but the referee ruled the effort out for a foul on Enyimba goalkeeper Kelvin Ogunga. The match quickly turned physical, with challenges flying in and tempers flaring between the two Eastern rivals.
The tension boiled over just before halftime when Enyimba’s Henry Ndedi was shown a second yellow card, reducing the visitors to ten men and tilting momentum toward Khalifat. The first half ended goalless, but the home fans sensed something special brewing.
After the break, the Pride of Imo pressed relentlessly, capitalizing on their numerical advantage. The breakthrough finally came in the 69th minute — and it was a moment of brilliance.
Midfield talisman Ebuka Nwokorie, already enjoying a standout season, stepped up for a free kick just outside the box and curled a sensational strike beyond Ogunga’s reach. The stadium erupted. It was his fifth goal of the season and his first from a direct free-kick — a finish worthy of the occasion.
Enyimba fought back late on, launching wave after wave of attacks, but Khalifat’s defense held firm until the final whistle. When it came, the roar inside Dan Anyiam Stadium shook the city — Owerri was officially back on the NPFL map.
Speaking after the game, Khalifat’s head coach Obinna “Yaya” Uzoho praised his players’ resilience and the fans’ passion.
“No place like home. The supporters lifted us today — you could feel it. My boys gave their all, and I’m proud of every one of them,” Uzoho said.
The victory was Khalifat’s second of the season, but perhaps their most defining yet. It handed Enyimba their first defeat of the campaign and reignited belief that the Pride of Imo can hold their own in Nigeria’s top flight.
Next up, Kun Khalifat FC travel to Bayelsa United next weekend, buoyed by momentum and the echoes of a derby victory that Owerri won’t forget anytime soon.
