Dauda calls on teammates to show character

Enyimba, by the usual high standards, have endured a below-par start to the 2018 Nigeria Professional Football League season. Two points from the opening three league games have left the People’s Elephant mired in relegation: unfamiliar terrain for the seven-time African champions.

A shock loss away to Katsina United at the weekend is the latest setback, and in appraising the game, goalkeeper Fatau Dauda didn't pull his punches. "We all did not have a good game," he admitted in a chat with Enyimba Media.

"It was not like the first [away] game (vs Lobi Stars), where we deserved to win but conceded a penalty in the second half. Here (vs Katsina), none of us played well."

The Ghana international called in the team to raise their competitive level, and was keen to find a silver lining in a dark period for the club.

"Enyimba always want results, and some can't handle the pressure. But this is a sign, that we must step our game up 200 (sic) per cent. We need to show character, especially in away games.

"This start has served as a wake-up call for us."

Dauda commended the management and coaching crew for their handling of a trying situation. He revealed the players had taken it upon themselves to meet and set a target for the next three games, starting on Thursday with the visit of Nasarawa United to Calabar. 

"If I were the Chairman, I myself wouldn't take it easy. But this is the time the management needs to encourage and believe in us, and they are doing just that.

"The entire family of Enyimba – the players, coaches, and fans – wants nothing less than three points from that (Nasarawa) game. This is a high-profile game, they are very good side. The players had a brief meeting; and I told them to take this game as though, with a loss we're going to get relegated.

"If we are determined, we can get 9 points from our next three matches. This season, we are going to PH early, and so I'm sure the officiating will be fair and if we play the way we can, we will come with three points back to Calabar," Dauda insisted.

Enyimba will hope to record a first league win this season when they take on the Solid Miners at the UJ Esuene Stadium on Thursday.