Joseph Atule aiming to celebrate Nigeria Premier Football League glory with Enyimba

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Enyimba International FC forward Joseph Atule expressed confidence in his team’s ability to defend their Nigeria Premier Football League title this season.

The People’s Elephant, managed by Finidi George, clinched the championship last season after topping the Super Six ahead of Remo Stars.

Atule, speaking on the “Naija Footballers Forum,” emphasized their determination to retain the league title despite facing challenges, particularly with injuries affecting the squad on a weekly basis, stressing the team’s depth and quality players as crucial factors in their pursuit of success.

“We have all it takes to defend the title. We have quality players in the team but we’re struggling with injuries while playing every week. But believe me, we plan to defend it. For now, lifting the trophy is the target now,” Atule said on “Naija Footballers Forum” a WhatsApp Sports Group that focuses on Nigerian players at home and abroad.

Acknowledging his personal setbacks due to injury, Atule remained resolute in improving his goalscoring form, underscoring the importance of tangible results to validate his hard work and contributions to the team.

Despite initial success with Enyimba, injuries disrupted his momentum, prompting him to view a move to Lobi Stars as a positive step forward in his career.

“If your efforts didn’t produce results or scoring of goals nobody will ever believe you work hard,” he continued.

“I am doing extremely very well with the team and my efforts are felt. I just have to say the style of play here made me have hard luck in the scoring aspect. Scoring of goals is just what is missing now. I started very well for the People’s Elephant.

“I was very happy here that yeah I was facing this challenge with smiles on my face but things turned around when injuries set in. For me, I think it was a good move for me as a player who’s playing with passion and I wanted to face a new challenge and the club Lobi Stars supported my move too.”

Atule, aged 23, has previously played for Egyptian clubs Ceremica Cleopatra and Misr Lel Makkasa, as well as Nigerian side Katsina United.

As of now, Enyimba International FC occupies the fifth position in the league standings with 39 points from 23 games, as they continue their campaign to defend their title.