Enyimba head coach Emmanuel Deutcsh has refused to hit the panic button after his side suffered a 2-1 defeat to Niger Tornadoes on Sunday, insisting the result carries no lasting damage this early in the season.

The nine-time Nigeria Premier Football League champions made the trip to the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna for their opening fixture, only to be edged out in a closely contested affair.

Niger Tornadoes drew first blood when Aliyu Goyi converted a penalty five minutes before half-time, handing the hosts a lead at the break.

Enyimba rallied after the interval and drew level in the 71st minute, with Wonah Williams climbing highest to head home and restore parity for the visitors.

The equaliser looked set to earn Enyimba a point, but Michael Olalusi had other ideas — the forward struck with seven minutes remaining to clinch all three points for Niger Tornadoes.

No reason to panic, says Deutcsh

Deutcsh acknowledged the setback but was quick to highlight the quality he witnessed from both sides across the 90 minutes.