ENYIMBA’S ABD’ALLAH HAILS ‘VERY GOOD’ SOUTH AFRICAN FOOTBALL SYSTEM AHEAD OF GALAXY CLASH

Enyimba’s technical adviser Usman Abd’Allah has praised the South African football system and suggests that TS Galaxy can now be seen in same light as the country’s big teams.

The Enyimba technical adviser was speaking ahead Sunday’s CAF Confederation Cup playoff fixture against South Africa’s Cup Champions at the Enyimba Stadium.

Sunday’s fixture in Aba will mark the second time in less than two years that the People’s Elephant will be met by a South African opposition at this stage of the Confederation Cup.

While Premier Soccer League side Bidvist Wits were the opponents in 2018, Galaxy, a second division side, shot into prominence when they defied odds to become the first lower tier team to clinch the Nedbank Cup, thereby earning a place in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The Rockets have taken that form to their debut appearance in the Confederation Cup, winning all of their first four matches in the competition.

And having beaten reputable Premier Soccer League sides en route their domestic Cup triumph, Abd’Allah believes the Rockets should now be rated at the level of South Africa’s big teams.

Usman Abd’Allah

“They (South African teams) are teams with very good techniques and tactics and you know they have a very good youth development over there, so you can see they have very good technical abilities and tactical abilities.

“We are not taking anything for granted. We are expecting the team to be a very, very good team.

“They win their matches away and they are a goal scoring team at away. So we aware of that, that is why you can see how we’ve been preparing a lot so that we can work on our technical and tactical ability that can match this team.”

Ogunbote: Professionalism Key To Rangers Good Run

That Enugu Rangers have hit the ground running since the start of this year’s CAF Confederation Cup competition has left not a few followers of the game expectant.

In a chat with the press, Chief Coach of the Flying Antelopes, Gbenga Ogunbote has attributed the impressive run of the team so far in the competition to high- level professionalism, particularly, on the parts of the players.

“Firstly,I want to thank God for His love and protection. And I must also state that this team is filled with players who have consistently shown true professionalism so far. That has impacted positively on the team’s performances,” Ogunbote noted.

On the recent CCC tie against CS Sfaxien in Tunis which ended 1-1,he disclosed that the team was never under pressures even when they were trailing by a goal to the host in the game.

Rangers FC, Coach Olugbenga Ogunbote dishes out instructions to his players, Solomon Okpako and Christian Madu

“Tactical discipline and professionalism of the players came to the fore as they rallied to get the equaliser. They fully understood our targets did the needful to get the important point,” Ogunbote fondly called the ‘Oracle’, remarked sweetly.

He further stated that the team would bring the positive mindset to their domestic games in the NPFL.

“We shall prosecute our domestic games with the same fervour. And at the end of the season, hopes to finish on both fronts on a high,” he enthused.

Akeem Busari

CAF Confederation Cup: Enyimba FC Denies Raja Casablanca’s Abandonment Claims

Chairman of Enyimba FC, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu has vehemently denied a claim by CAF Confederation Cup semi finals opponents Raja Casablanca of Morocco that the Nigerian flagbearers failed to received its delegation at the Port Harcourt International Airport on arrival on Monday morning.

In a letter to CAF General Secretary, Amr Fahmy which he personally signed, the ranking member of the NFF Executive Committee wrote: “This complaint of Raja is an attempt to embarrass our club because Raja themselves are in violation of the rules of the competition after failing to provide us with details of their arrival. We had reached out to them requesting their travel itinerary but we were not offered this information. Instead, the Chairman of Enyimba received a call on Sunday from Morocco that the team was landing in Port Harcourt at 2:45pm on Monday.

Enyimba FC

“We swung into action immediately and informed our protocol officers to be on standby. However, at 5 am this morning, the Chairman got notice of their presence in Port Harcourt already. This came as a shock because arrangements had been made to receive the team at 2:45 pm, not am, based on the call received. An official of our club was dispatched to the airport immediately and on getting there, he learnt of the team’s arrival by Air Maroc to Port Harcourt, which was by itself a strange landing. Air Maroc had no prior scheduled landing in Port Harcourt but being the official Moroccan airline, must have been influenced to land in Port Harcourt by Raja officials and authorities.

“At no time did Raja officials notify us they were coming in via Air Maroc. Had they done so, they would have revealed the very disturbing and suspicious fact that it was the same flight used by the match officials from Tunisia. So strange was the landing of Air Maroc in Port Harcourt that it had to fly back to Lagos for its scheduled landing. We already had tickets booked for Lagos to Port Harcourt and our protocol officer in Lagos was at the airport waiting for their arrival. Arriving in Lagos is the scheduled arrival based on the booking by CAF so why the change of destination to Port Harcourt.

Felix Anyansi Agwu ENYIMBA FC Chairman

“Back at the Port Harcourt airport, our protocol officer was told that some officials had already checked in at Novotel Hotel while the ones at the airport were trying to get their luggage. Shockingly enough, it was the Raja officials that led our protocol officer to the match officials and introduced him to them. This fact that the match officials traveled in the same flight with our opponents, Raja Club Athletic all the way to Port Harcourt, aborting the original Lagos route is deeply worrisome.

“Secretary General Sir, much as the referees may have a logical explanation as to their change of travel plans, we are gravely concerned. We have faith in the integrity of officials designated for this semi final game but we all know that affinity breeds complicity. In conclusion, the actions of Raja are deliberate and designed to not only cast our team in bad light, but gain an unfair advantage on Matchday. These actions are against the rule of the sport and against fairplay and we request that CAF takes a hard stance against this by carrying out all necessary actions that would uphold the objectiveness and impartiality of the match.”

ENYIMBA COUNT ON MASSIVE CALABAR SUPPORT FOR WITS TIE

The gates will be thrown open for the return leg of Enyimba Football Club’s CAF Confederation Cup play-off against Bidvest Wits.

The decision, reached by the Management, is a gesture of appreciation to the people of Calabar for their stellar support and solidarity.

“We want them to come out and enjoy a great game with us, to share in our moment of victory,” said club Chairman, Chief Felix Anyansi Agwu.

“As they have always accepted us as their own, we invite the beautiful people of Calabar to come out and cheer on the team as we march into the Confederation Cup Group Stage.”

Enyimba have made a home out of the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar since 2017, and will be once again banking on a massive support ahead of the second leg against the reigning South African champions on Wednesday, the 18th of April.

The first leg, played on the 6th of April at the Milpark Stadium, Johannesburg, ended 1-1, leaving the tie finely poised.

ENYIMBA SETTLE IN SA, LAY OUT PLANS FOR CAF CC

Enyimba Football Club arrived Johannesburg in the early hours of Thursday for Friday’s CAF Confederation Cup encounter with Bidvest Wits.

A strong contingent of 36 made the flight over from Lagos to the O.R Tambo International Airport, led by club chairman, Chief Felix Anyansi Agwu.

Anyansi, in a brief welcome address, stressed the need to focus on the business of the trip. The seasoned administrator enjoined the team to maintain a strong group ethic, and for each individual to eschew all possible distractions.

The People’s Elephant is camped at the Sierra On Main Hotel in Randburg, and the contingent was treated to a lavish breakfast before being committed to rest and recovery. Later in the day, Enyimba will limber up and get a feel of the Milpark Stadium, which is the venue of Friday’s 1/16th final First Leg.

ENYIMBA PAY TRIBUTE TO NIGERIAN AMBASSADOR TO BENIN

Enyimba Football Club have expressed “deep appreciation and gratitude” to the Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, Honourable Kayode Oguntuase.

The Ambassador was a vital presence for the duration of Enyimba’s stay in Cotonou, visiting the team in the build-up to the crunch encounter to provide moral and material support; and also hosting a lavish reception dinner in the team’s honour in the aftermath of the game, among other things.

In a letter to the Nigerian Embassy in Cotonou, the management of the two-time African champions recognized the relevance of the Ambassador’s efforts to the successful prosecution of the CAF Confederation Cup tie against Energie FC on the 7th of March.

“Your support was immeasurable and will leave a positive and lasting impact on all of us who were privileged to meet you. You demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to safety and triumph and we will remain grateful to you,” the letter, signed by club Chairman Felix Anyansi Agwu, read.

“Our sincere appreciation also goes to staff of the Embassy who played great roles throughout our stay in Cotonou. Despite their very busy schedule, they were unrelenting in their quest to see us achieve our objectives in the city. Their efforts were admirable and we are equally grateful to them.

Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic Hon Kayode Oguntuase

“On behalf of the management, staff and players of Enyimba Football Club, please accept my warmest gratitude. The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Benin is a shining example of what an Embassy should stand for and we will never forget the goodwill shown to us by the excellent and courageous people who are a part of it,” it concluded.

Buoyed by an impressive away support also mobilized by the Honourable Ambassador, the People’s Elephant beat their Beninoise opponents 2-0 on Wednesday to seize the advantage ahead of the second leg on the 16th of March.

UNFLAPPABLE ANAEMENA PROVING HIS WORTH AT ENYIMBA

Up until the ball deflected off the shin of Ifeanyi Anaemena, wrongfooting Fatau Dauda in the 50th minute of Sunday’s meeting with Sunshine Stars, Enyimba had not conceded in nine NPFL home matches.

That unique bit of history was truncated by that fateful ricochet in the rain; beyond that, it brought a tense game level in less than ideal weather conditions. It placed the onus on the two-time African champions to do something they had not done all season long: score twice in a league game.

The pressure, then, was intense. On the team as a whole, but also on Anaemena who had, up until that point, been impeccable. Such a sterling defensive record is not held by accident: his pairing at the heart of the defence with Nelson Ogbonnaya has proven particularly profitable.

“The centre-backs and full-backs have been fantastic throughout the season,” he told Enyimba Media.

“There is no particular focus on defence. My pairing with Nelson (Ogbonnaya) has been an encouraging one for me because I’ve played alongside him for two seasons now, and we’ve gotten a common understanding.”

In the immediate aftermath of that concession, there was a different understanding for Anaemena: he needed to make amends. Four minutes after, he fired off a volley which was acrobatically tipped over by Moses Ocheje. Then, in the 70th minute: redemption.

Stanley Dimgba’s pass into the path of Stephen Chukwude on the right set up a crossing opportunity. It also, however, meant there was a deficit of numbers in the middle. Charging up from the back to make it up was Anaemena, and the defender towered high to crash a header off the crossbar and in for the game’s winner.

“Yeah, it was actually a power up for me – scoring an own-goal,” he admitted.

“It never demoralized me, it gave me a positive mindset that I can get something out, and I thank God I actualized my dream of scoring the winning goal.”

It is this single-minded determination that has seen Anaemena rise to prominence at Enyimba. The defender, who joined from Giwa FC in 2014, has risen to second vice-captain, and plays in an uncompromising style which has seen him thrive.

It is not, however, strictly a matter of brute force. There is some silk to go with the steel, and a fierce intelligence which has enabled him to adapt in all situations. He was expansive when asked how he coped with the teeming rain at the weekend.

Ifeanyi Anaemena

“It was a rainy match, and anything can happen. The rain almost spoiled the match plan for us. We were able to keep our heads up, and play according to the demands of “rain ball” (sic): you have to take it all out, because any mistake can result in a goal as the grass is slippery.”

His performances seem to have gone up a notch this season too, but he is keen to emphasize the progress the entire team has made. “It’s not only [about] me,” he insisted.

What it certainly is about is the glory of Enyimba. Anaemena admits the club has given him so much, and is looking forward to the challenge of the CAF Confederation Cup in early March.

“Enyimba being the best team in Nigeria has given a positive output by winning the Champions League consecutively, and so we have the mindset that we are going to back up the name that Enyimba have made.”

CAF Confederation Cup: Eguma Calm As United Face Banana Skin Test

Stanley Eguma will lead his wards out to battle on Saturday afternoon against Rayon Sports in the CAF Confederation Cup in a second leg playoff round game.

The Rivers United technical manager will be hoping his side can preserve a 2-0 first leg advantage against ‘Gikundiro’ and took the time to address our media team ahead of the important game.

“Nothing has been decided yet,”

“Rayon proved they are a very good side in the first leg and were very unlucky not to score in Port Harcourt.

“If we play (on Saturday) like we have already qualified, we will be knocked out; I have no doubt about that.” he said to http://www.riversunitedfc.com.ng.

Doubts had been raised over the fitness of United left back, Zoumana Doumbia but the Togolese star eventually travelled with the Nigerian contingent to Kigali on Thursday.

Eguma however disclosed that a late fitness test will be conducted on the defender on Saturday to ascertain if he will be available for selection.

Technical manager of Rivers United FC, Stanley Eguma

“Zoumana’s condition has improved and that is why he travelled with us to Kigali.

“I still don’t know if he will play but we will assess him on Friday evening and Saturday morning before making a decision,” he said.

Rayon Sports will need a three-goal margin victory over Rivers United at the Amahoro Stadium, Kigali on Saturday to progress to the group stages of the Caf Confederation Cup.