Enyimba FC has thanked their fans for their steadfast support during the Nigeria Premier League game against Rangers International FC in Enugu.
The NPFL Week 35 match between the Flying Antelopes and the People’s Elephant ended in controversy at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday, Footballrover reports.
The game was halted in the final moments due to a disruption caused by Enyimba fans.
The encounter was disrupted when Enyimba fans reacted violently to a penalty awarded to Rangers, leading to the game being abandoned.
Na football we come play….no be war #FootballWithoutViolence
— Enyimba FC (@EnyimbaFC) June 9, 2024
The high-profile derby match, which had remained goalless through the first half, saw Rangers struggle to break through Enyimba’s staunch defence.
Despite several scoring opportunities, Rangers were unable to find the back of the net.
As the game neared its conclusion, tensions rose when Rangers were awarded a penalty after one of their attackers was fouled in the penalty area.
The decision to award the penalty was met with strong opposition from Enyimba players and management, who refused to continue the game.
This decision ignited anger among Enyimba supporters, leading to a chaotic scene where fans threw missiles and invaded the pitch, ultimately attacking the linesman involved in the penalty call.
Despite the game ending in controversy, Enyimba’s management and players acknowledged the impact of their fans’ energy and passion.
Over 25,000 fans attended the Oriental Derby between Rangers and Enyimba in Enugu Stadium.
What a moment. pic.twitter.com/q7WSy1qN1o
— IGBO History & Facts (@IgboHistoFacts) June 9, 2024
The chairman of the club, Kanu “Papilo” Nwankwo, took to social media to express his gratitude to the fans, admitting to the significance of their presence and their impact on the team, saying,
“You made a real difference yesterday, and we’re forever grateful.”
The message highlighted the fans’ zeal and loyalty, acknowledging their dedication to supporting the team both home and away.
The full statement reads:
“A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING TRAVELLING FANS!
Dear incredible travelling fans, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support yesterday. Your energy and passion were palpable, and it meant the world to us.
Your dedication to cheering us on, even away from home, is a testament to your unrelenting enthusiasm and loyalty. You truly are the best fans in the world!
Your voices were heard loud and clear, and we drew strength from your encouragement. We’re honoured to have such a fantastic support system behind us.
Thank you for your unwavering support, your infectious enthusiasm, and your unbridled passion. You made a real difference yesterday, and we’re forever grateful.
So let’s keep this momentum going! Let’s keep pushing forward together as one team, one family. We couldn’t do this without you, and we don’t want to.”
Watch the Highlights of our #NPFL24 Oriental Derby game against Enyimba FC.#RANENY #OrientalDerby#HistoryTogether #NeverSayDie pic.twitter.com/b1uu1HwLoO
— Rangers International FC (@Rangers_Intl) June 10, 2024
The NPFL officials are now faced with a decision on whether to award Rangers the maximum three points, which would place them at the top of the league with 64 points, or to reschedule the remaining minutes of the match for completion.
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