Pinnick hails Enyimba, demands self-belief against Raja

Nigeria’s flagbearers, Enyimba Football Club must have unwavering self-belief when they take on Raja Casablanca of Morocco in the semi finals of this year’s CAF Confederation Cup, says President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Melvin Pinnick.

Pinnick made this statement on Sunday while congratulating the People’s Elephant for their 5-1 defeat of Rayon Sports of Rwanda at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba which qualified the team for the semi finals of the competition on a 5-1 aggregate.

“I want to commend the players and members of the technical staff for their endeavour in this competition so far. I watched their match against CARA Brazzaville in the group phase and I know the players and technical crew have great ambition and can go all the way to the final and do Nigeria proud by winning the Cup.

“Their next opponents, Raja Casablanca, are a tough act. But Enyimba have the players and the technical team to plot victory and all they require is strong self-belief to conquer the Moroccans. I appeal to all Nigerian ball fans and football stakeholders to give the club necessary support to make us smile, as the only Nigerian club left in continental club competition this year.

“I want to specially praise the efforts of the chairman of the club, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, who is a ranking Member of the NFF Executive Committee. The man deserves honour as he has done so much for Nigerian Football. I recall he has been with the team for the past 20 years and led them to the two CAF Champions League titles they have won for Nigeria.”

Enyimba Football Club

Following a scoreless draw in Kigali a week earlier, the People’s Elephant started appropriately, as an alert Augustine Dimgba slotted into the visitors’ net after capitalizing on a defensive error in the 13th minute. But Bonfils Caleb Bimenyimana equalized from a close range effort 12 minutes later and the visitors were hopeful.

Enyimba, winners of the CAF Champions League title in 2003 and 2004, regained control in the 29th minute as left back Utin Ikouwem finished brilliantly after picking up a loose ball, and two minutes after the re-start, Sunday Adetunji made it three for the homers.

Joseph Osadiaye, making up for earlier misses, scored the fourth in the 58th minute to take the People’s Elephant out of sight of the visitors. Not done yet, Enyimba kept the fire alive and Isiaka Oladuntoye scored the fifth goal in the 76th minute.

The Nigerians will host Raja Casablanca, first winners of the CAF Champions League title in 1999, in the first leg of their semi final fixture at the Enyimba International Stadium on Wednesday, 3rd October, with the return leg in Casablanca three weeks later.

PERFECT START FOR ENYIMBA IN CAF CONFEDERATION CUP

Enyimba rose above Malian side Djoliba to record a 2-0 win on Sunday.

Second half goals from Isiaka Oladuntoye and Stanley Dimgba broke the visitors’ resolve and sealed the perfect start to the CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage.

Paul Aigbogun opted to hand only a second start of the season to Freedom Omofoman, in what was otherwise a familiar-looking starting 11. Ikouwem Utin also returned to the side, as Benjamin Francis continues to recover injury.

While the focus was undeniably on attack, there was little to set the pulse racing in the opening period. Omofoman came closest to opening the scoring, electing to shoot one-on-one from a narrow angle rather than pass.

The visitors however finished the first half stronger, firing off a couple of attempts without really working Fatau Dauda.

Enyimba however raced out of the blocks after the restart, and broke the deadlock just three minutes in. Oladuntoye was first to a teasing corner kick delivery, and fired a rasping effort which zipped past Djoliba ‘keeper Adama Keita.

With much of the tension drained out of the contest, the two-time African champions exerted more control on proceedings. That said, there were still some nerves until a blistering run by Omofoman decided the encounter for good.

Enyimba FC VS Djoliba FC 2018 CAF Confederation Cup

The winger picked the ball up just inside the Djoliba half, and proceeded to zoom past a couple of markers, before being cut down inside the penalty box. From the resulting penalty, Dimgba fired high into the roof of the net to settle the tie.

Following the conclusion of Matchday 1, Enyimba are top of CAF Confederation Cup Group C on goal difference, ahead of Ivoirian side AC Williamsville.

ENYIMBA SECURE CAFCC GROUP STAGE PLACE

Enyimba sealed passage into the CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage after a 0-0 draw with Bidvest Wits on Wednesday in Calabar.

The two-time African champions came into the encounter on the back of a 1-1 first leg result, and that priceless away goal proved the difference on the day.

Paul Aigbogun made four changes to his starting lineup from the first leg in Johannesburg, all of which were injury-enforced; there was notably no place for flying winger Stanley Dimgba, who picked up a knock on the eve of the game.

The theme of the game would be its tremendous intensity, buttressed by numerous fouls and snapping tackles in the middle of the park. This lent itself to a nervy encounter, with neither side able to exert control in midfield.

There was finally action close to goal as the game neared the half-hour mark. Abdulrahman Bashir looked likeliest, playing a one-two on the edge of the area before seeing his low cross cleared on the stretch.

He was involved in his own box soon after, clearing a dangerous cross by Daine Klate, as the Clever Boys came into the game. Left-back Keegan Ritchie, improbably sporting the number 10 shirt, called Fatau Dauda into action just before the break with a swerving drive from way out.

The visitors had the first real chance of the second period, as Bongani Khumalo’s header almost crept in at the near post. Wits then had a glorious chance to take the lead, as a low cross to the back post found an unmarked Eleazar Rodgers, but the targetman sent his effort over the top.

That seemed to snap the People’s Elephant awake, and the game’s best chance materialized at the other end. Bashir was again at the heart of it, playing a delightful ball over the top for Freedom Omofoman to chase. The winger’s searing pace took him clear, but his finish bobbled narrowly wide, to much incredulity.

It was almost predictable, given the full-blooded nature of the physical duels, that someone would get into hot water with the referee. The villain of the piece would be Ghana international Edwin Gyimah. His wild lunge at Austin Oladapo in the centre circle saw him receive a straight red card and reduced the visitors to 10 men for the final 20 minutes.

The tempo flagged following the expulsion, but then sped up in the final moments. Wits somehow made a meal of a promising counter, and then fouled the busy Omofoman as he hared into the box in the last minute. Oladapo’s spot kick was brilliantly saved by Kyle Peters, but it would be of no consequence, as the game ended goalless.

The People’s Elephant advance to the CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage, and will be in the hat for the draws on Saturday in Cairo.

FINAL SCORE: Enyimba 0-0 Bidvest Wits

Enyimba Starting XI: Fatau Dauda, Andrew Abalogu, Ifeanyi Anaemena, Isiaka Oladuntoye, Ikouwem Udo, Farouk Mohammed, Austin Oladapo, Ikechukwu Ibenegbu (Chinedu Udeagha), Stephen Chukwude, Abdulrahman Bashir, Chinonso Okonkwo (Freedom Omofoman)

Unused subs: Theophilus Afelokhai, Ernest Governor, Uche John, Wasiu Alalade, Ugochukwu Leonard

Bidvest Wits Starting XI: Moeneeb Josephs (Kyle Peters), Buhlebuyeza Mkhwanazi, Bongani Khumalo, Daine Klate, Eleazar Rodgers, Keegan Ritchie, Daylon Claasen (Thabang Monare), Thobani Mncwango, Reeve Frosler, Sifiso Myeni (Elias Pelembe), Edwin Gyimah

Unused subs: Lehlohonolo Majoro, Maliele Pule

Yellow cards: Eleazar Rodgers, Reeve Frosler (BID)

Red cards: Edwin Gyimah (BID)

CAF Confederation Cup play-off: We Know Wits’ Tactics – Oladapo

Enyimba midfielder Austin Oladapo has expressed his confidence in the ability of the club to hurdle Bidvest Wits on Wednesday.

The silky playmaker, who has been one of the standout performers for the People’s Elephant this season, was bullish in a chat with Enyimba Media in the build-up to the CAF Confederation Cup play-off return leg.

“I’m very confident; seeing the training all week, it has been impressive, so I’m very confident that we are going to scale through,” he said.

Allied to the thorough preparation the side has undergone, Oladapo also believed that a difficult first leg, which saw the Clever Boys see more of the ball for long periods, has better prepared the team to respond in Calabar.

Enyimba FC Midfielder Austin Oladapo

“Now, we feel more motivated. We already know how they play; we saw it in their home, and [yet] we were able to get an away draw there. So, we already know their tactics.”

RESILIENT ENYIMBA SECURE AWAY GOAL IN WITS STALEMATE

Enyimba weathered a second half onslaught to come away with a 1-1 draw against Bidvest Wits on Friday in Johannesburg.

The CAF Confederation Cup 1/16th Round tie pitted Nigeria’s most successful club and two-time African champions against the reigning South African PSL champions at the Milpark Stadium; a draw that promised to be absorbing.

It certainly lived up to the billing, right from the kick-off, and even though the scoring was done inside the opening five minutes, the tempo of proceedings did not let up until the very end.

Paul Aigbogun made one change from the side that beat MFM FC in league action nine days prior. Benjamin Francis returned to the starting lineup following a spell out with injury, although his comeback would eventually be cut short in the second half.

The hosts were keen to make a statement from the get-go, but for all their bravery, they were handed an early lead almost on a platter. A clearance by Nelson Ogbonnaya was inadvertently headed back across the face of goal by defensive partner Isiaka Oladuntoye, presenting Daine Klate with the simplest of finishes at the back post.

That advantage was shortlived, however. Just over a minute later. Abdulrahman Bashir played a delightful ball in behind for Ibrahim Mustapha to latch onto, and the striker kept his nerve to slot the ball under Moeneeb Josephs for the equalizer.

What followed for Enyimba was a massive rearguard action, led by goalkeeper Fatau Dauda. The Ghana international stuck out a leg to deny Sifiso Myeni at the back stick, before striker Thobani Mncwango twice rose highest in the box to head narrowly wide.

Aigbogun’s men came close to going ahead though, midway through the half, after some typically bright work by Bashir. His clever give-and-go with Chinonso Okonkwo opened up space on the flank, but his cross was glanced wide by Mustapha.

The second half began with Oladuntoye somewhat atoning for his first half error by clearing a goal-bound effort off the line. That would be the last time Dauda was beaten, as he sprang from his line to deny Eleazar Rodgers one-on-one, and then did it again when the targetman met a near-post cross with a deft flick and a follow-up effort.

The result sees Enyimba head into the second leg in Calabar in good stead, with an away goal in the bag. Aigbogun declared himself pleased afterward, saying, “I think the main thing is that you don’t lose.

“When you go away, the important thing: don’t lose, and score a goal. Getting the goal is very important.”

FINAL: Bidvest Wits (Daine Klate 4’) 1-1 Enyimba (Ibrahim Mustapha 5’)

Enyimba Starting XI: Fatau Dauda, Andrew Abalogu, Nelson Ogbonnaya, Isiaka Oladuntoye, Benjamin Francis (Ernest Governor 61’), Dare Ojo, Austin Oladapo, Stanley Dimgba (Farouk Mohammed 68’), Abdulrahman Bashir, Chinonso Okonkwo, Ibrahim Mustapha.

Unused subs: Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Uche John, Stephen Chukwude, Freedom Omofoman, Ikechukwu Ibenegbu.

Enyimba FC

Bidvest Wits Starting XI: Moeneeb Josephs, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Edwin Gyimah, Daine Klate (Lehlohonoho Majoro 79’), Eleazar Rodgers, Sandile Hlanti, Daylon Claasen, Thobani Mncwango (Gaspar Pelembe 46’), Reeve Frosler, Sifiso Myeni (Vincent Pule 46’)

Unused subs: Kyle Peters, Nkosinathi Ntshangase, Thabang Monare, Keegan Ritchie.

Yellow cards: Daylon Claasen, Reeve Frosler (BID); Abdulrahman Bashir, Nelson Ogbonnaya (ENY)

ENYIMBA IN CAF CONFEDERATION CUP BATTLE OF WITS

Enyimba’s participation in the 2018 CAF Confederation Cup will continue with a 2nd 1/16th Round tie against South Africa side Bidvest Wits.

In the draw conducted in Cairo on Wednesday, the two-time African champions were drawn against the Clever Boys, who last season were crowned PSL champions for the first time in their history.

That league triumph earned the modest Johannesburg side a place in the CAF Champions League this term. They were, however, eliminated in the final Play-off round by Angolan side Primeiro de Agosto, and so entered the Confederation Cup at the 2nd 1/16th Round.

Enyimba FC

Wits play under the tutelage of experienced 53-year-old, Gavin Hunt. The hugely successful manager won three league titles with Supersport United, and pulled off a miracle last season in beating away the challenge of much-fancied Mamelodi Sundowns for the league crown.

The first leg meeting with Enyimba will come up on the weekend of 6-8 April, at the Milpark Stadium in Johannesburg, with the return scheduled to hold between 17-18 April at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

ENYIMBA SHOW GRIT, MARCH ON IN CAF CONFEDERATION CUP

The superiority of two-time African champions Enyimba was affirmed on Sunday, as the People’s Elephant beat Energie FC 3-2 to secure passage to the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Pegged back twice, Enyimba showed character to regain a late advantage in front of the enthusiastic support at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

Having won the first leg 11 days earlier by two unreplied goals, the People’s Elephant came into the second leg as string favorites to progress. Indeed, that prognosis proved justified inside the very first minute, as Abdulrahman Bashir seized on a handling error by Energie goalkeeper Sheyi Damilola to fire home the opener.

That goal effectively ended the tie as a contest, and that led to a drop in intensity in proceedings. It was the hosts who came closest to extending the lead, with Stanley Dimgba hitting the upright with an improvised effort from inside the penalty area, before Ikechukwu Ibenegbu flashed a shot narrowly wide.

The slightly tepid ambience was broken in the second period, as Energie drew level out of nothing. A low shot from long range looked harmless enough, before Jules Elegbede stuck out a leg to divert it beyond Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

However, five minutes later, Enyimba went ahead again. A bit of a scramble in the visitors’ penalty area saw the ball sit up nicely for Chinonso Okonkwo, and he made no mistake with his finish, firing into the bottom corner.

Stephen Chukwude then had a great chance to double the advantage, but poked his finish against the upright with the goal gaping.

Enyimba FC

That miss would almost prove costly late on, as again the Beninoise side attained parity out of the blue. A free kick awarded for a foul by Ikouwem Udoh was smacked home by Paul Odjouhassi in the 89th minute for 2-2.

There was still time, however, for further drama. Okonkwo dribbled his way into the box, and was brought down, leaving the referee with no hesitation as to the award of a penalty. The forward dusted himself off, and dispatched the penalty high into the net for the win.

FINAL: Enyimba (Bashir 1′, Okonkwo 67′, 90+2′) 3-2 Energie (Elegbede 62′, Odjouhassi 89′)

Enyimba Starting XI: Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Andrew Abalogu, Nelson Ogbonnaya, Isiaka Oladuntoye, Ikouwem Udoh, Dare Ojo, Ikechukwu Ibenegbu (Joseph Osadiaye 89′), Stanley Dimgba (Austin Oladapo 73′), Wasiu Alalade, Abdulrahman Bashir (Stephen Chukwude 6′), Chinonso Okonkwo.

Unused Substitutes: Fatau Dauda, Ernest Governor, Ugochukwu Leonard, Uche John.

Energie Starting XI: Sheyi Damilola, Sanni Guera, Olympe Gantin, Jean Ogouchi, Lawal Lanignan, Herman Kassa, Seni Atikou (Alain Hounsa 45′), Aime Santou, Gilbert Adangnande, Evode Oreko (Paul Odjouhassi 55′), Jules Elegbede.

Unused Substitutes: Junior Bello, Moise Tegaou, Patrick N’Da, Ariel Komi, Honore Dossa.