Old taker vs New taker: Rude welcome for Kanu Nwankwo’s Enyimba, as NPFL new boys hand them heavy beating

Enyimba FC, under the chairmanship of Super Eagles legend Kanu Nwankwo, has faced a rude awakening as they suffered a heavy 3-1 defeat to newly promoted side Kun Khalifat of Imo State in a Preseason Tournament.

The result has stunned Nigerian football fans, with many questioning the reigning NPFL powerhouse's current form and preparedness for the new season.

Kanu’s team started the preseason on a high note, however, with an emphatic 5-2 victory over Inter Aba, raising expectations as reported by the Elephants on their social media.

However, their inability to build on that strong performance became apparent as Kun Khalifat, eager to prove their worth in the top flight, delivered a stunning display of skill and intensity to comfortably outplay Enyimba.

The match has sparked wide social media reaction, with fans drawing contrasts between the experienced "old taker" Enyimba and the relentless "new taker" Kun Khalifat.

Fans noted the newcomers' readiness and fighting spirit, with comments such as, “Omo na main team oo no be child’s” and “Whether preseason or not, it’s a good result and let them keep scoring goals, because football matches is all about goals.”

Others expressed frustration and concern over Enyimba’s performance, hoping the heavy loss is merely a wake-up call rather than a sign of deeper problems: “I hope this won’t be the leg we will use to start up this season, let it just be friendly because me self I dey para which kian whyni be this.”

While Kun Khalifat’s emphatic win announces their arrival as a competitive force in the NPFL, with the new boys facing former champions Enugu Rangers in first-ever match, the defeat is a sobering moment for Kanu Nwankwo’s Enyimba.

The People’s Elephant must regroup quickly if they are to maintain their historic dominance in Nigerian football, especially after underwhelming last season.

The preseason loss serves as a reminder that in football, pedigree and past glories offer no guarantees against the hunger and unpredictability of ambitious newcomers.