By Bethel Kalu
Monday morning, oh, we we will return to Aba. The Elephants would have cherished a victory but then, we can manage a precious draw.
So we set forth to Aba from Uyo, a city so calm and inviting.
As we drove out from Enyimba’s hotel and headed for Aba, Uyo looked on as the buses sped through their roads.
The buses moved with grace and flexibility, moving graciously as if they had emotions and could feel the ambivalence of anger and satisfaction from Sunday’s game.
Uyo only looked on and never said a word, so did Ikot-Ekpene. I asked: “Do they not know that we are Enyimba? Can they not see us?” Well, it was a convoy of Enyimba’s buses and I expected the buses to at least give us attention.
Why can’t we have that attention? We are the only Nigerian team left on the continent. Aren’t we?
As we got into Aba, people who stood by the roadside kept waving, welcoming the Elephants home. They had every reason to do so. Their boys did not lose. They would have wanted a win, but they did not get it. Thankfully, the city did not grow cold to its champions.
The psychological consolation of a team who went down twice at home against North African heavyweights and came back, remained in the minds of the fans.
When one of the buses got to Opobo junction roundabout, it seemed there was a meeting of men who were there telling stories amidst bustle of the area. As the bus approached, they raised their hands and waved us a comforting welcome. Immediately I screamed: “Yes, this is what I was talking about!” I earlier wanted that “love” from Uyo fans, but they do not feel any connection with the Elephants and I do not blame them. It would have been different if it were their darling Akwa United.
As the buses drove through the markets and into the stadium, the traders opened their arms to welcome the boys. It was not the result they wanted, but a draw was better than a loss.
The Elephant was down but not out. It stood against a giant and fought like an Elephant.
I remember, some of the fans said: “Unu alua ooo” A greeting which means “You are all welcome home” in Old Bende.
That is one greeting that any contingent from Abia would love to hear: it is not just done superficially, it comes with genuine affection.
And I join them to say to the Elephant, “unu alua ooo”