El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri coach, Aliyu Zubairu has described as ‘home advantage’ the CAF Confederation Cup draw that put his side against Dadje FC of neighbouring Benin Republic.
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While further analysing it as a favourable draw for his team, Zubairu expressed optimism over the Borno State-pened club’s chances of reaching the group stage, which he stressed is their first target.
Though he did not rule out any possibility of the President Federation Cup winners going further in the second-grade continental club’s competition, Zubairu admitted that the team will have to adjust to the unusual terrain in which they find themselves.
He acknowledged that El-Kanemi’s long period of absence from this level of football makes them newcomers, but enthused that starting the race in Benin Republic would boost their confidence.
The soft-spoken tactician added that he was not surprised with how Thursday’s draw ceremony went and boasted that his team is already set for their opening match of the contest.
Zubairu declared, “For every competition you are engaging in, you cannot be selective of your opponents. As long as you want to participate and aim to win, any opposition that is drawn up for you is one which you should be ready for.
“In that way, we are ready for our opponent from Benin Republic. In fact, knowing that we will be playing against a team from Benin Republic will inspire us more.
“Going from Nigeria to play in Benin Republic is like playing at home; unlike when you have to go to North Africa, where there’s a different culture, different terrain and the weather is a bit strange.
“Going to Benin Republic, we are going to feel like we’re playing in Lagos. We are going to take full advantage of the situation and get something positive from the game.”
Coach Zubairu then took a look at El-Kanemi’s pedigree and concluded with a revelation that their first goal is to reach the group stage, after which anything could happen either way.
“We are not newcomers as such because El-Kanemi played on the continent 32 years ago. I remember vividly their last match against Al-Ahly of Egypt, and that was the end of the continental campaign for them.
“So, we are not going to have a target that is not realistic. We are going to set a goal that will be realistic for us … at least we can get to the group stage.
“That is the target we are setting for ourselves, but we cannot really say how far we will go. We will see if we can improve on our target “
