Enyimba coach Fatai Osho has ‘a lot of relief’ after masterminding his side’s first away win of the 2020/2021 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season – a 2-1 victory at struggling Adamawa United on Monday.

Youngsters Anayo Iwuala and Imo Obot scored in the first half to put the 8-time NPFL champions in control at the Tafawa Balewa stadium in Bauchi, before Idris Abubakar halved the deficit for Adamawa on the hour mark after he converted from the penalty spot.

The win propelled Enyimba from 8th to 3rd on the NPFL standings, with 12 points from 6 matches, just two points behind table-toppers Nasarawa United, and Osho is hoping the result will inspire the People’s Elephant as the season progresses.

Asked if the win brought relief to him, the former Remo Stars coach said: “A lot, a lot of relief. We have not been doing too well on the road. And getting a win here is an inspiration going forward.

“It was a splendid performance.

“A lot of fatigue also. We were able to fight that. In the midweek, we were in Ilorin (playing against Kwara United). A lot of traveling. This took a toll on the players.

“And for them to have struggled and maneuvered their way and get the result, it is quite commendable.”

Despite a late surge by Adamawa United to, at least, find an equalizer, Enyimba held on to grab their first away win of the campaign, and Osho explained how he was able to curb the hosts’ fight back.

“For them to have gotten a goal, 2-1, they were playing at home, they knew they only need to get one more to even the score,: he said. “You can say that they really fought.

“We had to do something to choke the middle so that we can reduce those long balls. We were able to reduce that to the barest minimum. That’s what they want to use to hurt us along the line. Then, we’re able to curtail it to some extent.”

Enyimba will return home to face Katsina United in a Match Day 7 encounter in Aba on Sunday.