Enyimba’s victory last night was the last act of the 2022/23 abridged NPFL season. The Peoples Elephant needed a draw in the last game of the Championship Playoffs at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. The game ended 1-1 with Nyima Nwagua cancelling out Ekene Awaziem’s first half goal.

It is a record ninth league title for Enyimba FC, Nigeria’s must successful club. It is their first since the appointment of Super Eagles legend Finidi George 2 years ago. His first season was poor but this season he met the minimum requirement of finishing top 3 in Group A of the league after a goalless draw on MD18 in Ibadan.

Finidi led Enyimba FC to a 3rd place finish in the regular season but when it mattered their experience paid off with the victory in Lagos. Lagos is a good hunting ground for the Aba boys and they are the specialists of the abridged league – also winning that of the 2018/19 season. The 2015 trophy was also lifted in Lagos.

What next for Finidi George? His contract is over. Will he stay for the CAF Champions League? There will be clarity in the coming weeks. I am happy for him and the players. Ikenna Cooper stood out for me in the team. Emeka Obioma emerged highest goal scorer with 16 goals from 20 matches.

Enyimba FC and Remo Stars will represent Nigeria in the CAF Champions League while last season NPFL champions would make do with the Confederation Cup. Bendel Insurance will battle Rangers for the last slot to the continent in the Federation Cup final.

In other football matters, Manchester City finally won the UEFA Champions League on Saturday with a 1-0 victory over Inter Milan. Pep & City secured a treble to the disappointment of the Red half of Manchester.

David Moyes & West ham won the Europa Conference League while Sevilla defeated Mourinho’s Roma in the Europa League. Arsenal finished second in the Premier League while Newcastle and United qualified for the Champions League.

Uruguay are U20 Champions in Argentina. Nigeria knocked out the hosts Argentina in the second round – a kind of revenge for the 2005 final against Lionel Messi.

Today, I got a hattrick in my Saturday league. No better way to celebrate Enyimba’s title win.