Lobi Stars are in a race against time to certify former Enyimba of Aba striker, Sunday Adetunji fit for Friday’s encounter with Wydad Athletic Casablanca of Morocco in the CAF Champions League.
Sports247.ng learnt that Adetunji is battling an injury that has kept him out of Lobi’s last two matches in the domestic league, but the Middle Belt club want to keep him in mind till the last minute.
Although initial reports indicated that Adetunji might have been ruled out of the game on account of injury, the Abia Warriors of Umuahia revelation is facing a late fitness test for the tie.
It will Lobi’s third game in the group stage of the elite clubs’ continental competition and they will need the services of Adetunji, who helped Enyimba reach the semi-final of the Confederation Cup last year.
Adetunji, who joined Lobi on loan from Abia Warriors on a season-long deal, said he hopes to improve on his last continental adventure, such that he has set a target of playing in the final of the Champions League.
He has so far made two appearances, as he played in the win against Mamelodi Sundowns and 1-0 loss away to ASEC Mimosa in Abidjan, such that coach of the side, Solomon Ogbeide will bank on his again.
However, Adetunji has missed their last two Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) games, which put him in doubt for Friday’s game.
On the other hand, Ivorien midfielder, Yaya Kone is waxing strong and tipped to make a world of difference for Lobi Stars, who have won all three games played so far in the competition at Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium and will hope for another win to boost their chance of progressing to the quarter-finals.
They lost their last game 1-0 away to ASEC Mimosa of Cote d’Ivoire, after beating Mamelodi Sundowns in their first group game in Enugu.
Similarly, their opponents from Morocco, who are 2017 winners of the competition, also lost their last tie, 1-0 away to Sundowns and have three points from two matches.
Friday’s clash, which will begin 5pm at The Cathedral, will be officiated by Congolese referee, Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo, who will be aided by his compatriot, Olivier Safari Kabene and Burkina Faso’s Seydou Tiama.
