NPFL25: "Enyimba Will Edge Bayelsa, Top 3 Finish Possible" – Brown Ideye

Enyimba FC striker Brown Ideye has expressed strong confidence that the People’s Elephant will overcome Bayelsa United in their NPFL Matchday 30 clash this Sunday in Aba. The former Super Eagles forward believes that Enyimba’s improved schedule in recent weeks gives them an advantage over their Yenagoa-based opponents.

Since 2010, Enyimba and Bayelsa United have faced off 11 times, with the Aba giants winning five of those encounters. Bayelsa United have only managed two victories, while four matches have ended in a draw. Their last meeting in Aba ended in a stalemate, a result Enyimba will be eager to avoid.

This season, the two sides have already played out a draw in Yenagoa, making Sunday’s fixture even more crucial for both teams. Bayelsa United, under Coach Stanley Eguma, will be determined to improve their away form, but Enyimba are set on taking full advantage of their home ground.

“I knew we would get to this point because, since November last year, the team never had a good rest, playing every three or four days,” Ideye told Enyimba Media. “Right now, it’s better—they have their rest and play weekly. That gives us the edge to plan and win games.”

Enyimba, currently chasing a return to continental football, will be banking on their home form to secure maximum points. However, Ideye cautioned that the game will not be straightforward. “The game against Bayelsa United won’t be easy. You know how difficult it has been playing at home—we drew a lot of games here,” he admitted. “But if we approach the game positively, I see us winning.”

The experienced forward, who has already netted twice this season, will be absent from the squad due to personal reasons. “It’s really sad I won’t be available for this game. I have some family emergencies to take care of. I still have some friends in the Bayelsa team, and it would have been nice to play against them, but my family needs me now,” Ideye said.

With the NPFL title race heating up, the former West Bromwich Albion striker believes Remo Stars have the strongest claim to the trophy but insists Enyimba can still finish in the top three. “For me, I think Remo Stars have a better chance of winning the league, but in football, you can’t predict what happens. The title is theirs to lose,” he stated.

Despite the title being a long shot, Ideye remains optimistic about Enyimba’s continental hopes. “For Enyimba picking a continental spot, it’s possible. If we win all our remaining home games and get good results on the road, I see us getting back to the continent,” he added.

With Ideye’s confidence reflecting the team’s ambition, Enyimba will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage against Bayelsa United. A win could push them closer to the top three as the season edges toward its climax.

Enyimba currently sits eighth on the NPFL table, while Bayelsa United is in 13th place. The crucial fixture will kick off at 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba.