Charles Okafor's thrilling performance against Enyimba FC

Enyimba FC engaged visiting NPFL champions Akwa United football club in a rescheduled matchday 7 fixture yesterday at the Enyimba International stadium Aba, the people's Elephants with the bragging rights thanks to Tosin Omoyele's first half winner.

But a certain Charles Okafor stood tall at the back for the promise keepers despite succumbing to a slim loss. 

The Enugu born defender paired alongside the experienced Samson Gbadegbo and both were kept on their toes by the rampaging trio of Tosin Omoyele, Emeka Obioma and Samuel Kalu, but thanks to the defensive synergy of the duo which left the scoreline respectable to an extent.

Charles Okafor literally stole the headlines with a couple of impressive displays, most notably thwarting the efforts of Emeka Obioma relentlessly, a match that the Enyimba striker was seemingly found redundant, as he was eventually withdrawn in the second half. 

Okafor instilled calmness at the back for the promise keepers, in the 24th and 70th minutes respectively, he was seen dealing with a couple of goal bound efforts mustered by Ekene Awaziem, alongside series of counter attacking football initiated by the Elephants which the disciplined defender had to silence to safety. 

His last chested back pass to Adewale Adeyinka at the death was all the visitors needed to weather the raging storm thrown at them by their hosts, a scenario that had the visiting fans applauding the ever reliable Okafor.

With this high level of brilliant display witnessed yesterday at the Enyimba International stadium, the 24 year old defender is heavily primed for a national call-up. Only time will tell.