Enyimba FC of Nigeria got drawn in the ‘group of death’ which has holders Zamalek FC, Al Masry of Egypt as well as Black of Bull of Mozambique in the CAF Enyimba Coach, Yemi Olanrewaju has vowed to defend Enyimba name and fight to advance from the ‘ challenging’ group , Sports247 reports.
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Yemi Olanrewaju, popularly referred to as Star Coach by his admirers admitted that the group is a challenging group which he could have wished for a less challenging one but he is prepared to face any opposition in the competition.
“While we might have preferred a less challenging group, true champions know they must be ready to face anyone,” coach Olanrewaju told Flashscore.
Enyimba remained Nigeria’s most successful club on the continent by virtue of their 2023 and 2004 CAF Champions League triumph and are highly rated on the continent, the coach is ready to defend Enyimba’s name and reputation in the very tough group and ready for the challenge to pick one of the quarter finals two tickets at stake.
“This is the toughest group in the competition, but this is Enyimba FC. We will do everything we can to uphold the club’s name and fight to advance.”
He spoke further : “Of course, we are ready. The boys have been performing well in the league, currently sitting in second place with four wins and one loss. Having qualified from the last stage, I believe my team is prepared, but we can definitely improve to compete effectively at this level, to be honest.”
The coach admitted that he did not know much about Black Bull, the Mozambique Champion and he is wary of their threat as an unknown quantity but the fact the competition won’t start until late November, ample time for Enyimba to prepare and perfect their strategies ahead of the group stage hostilities.
“I’m pleased that we have at least a month to prepare before the continental games begin. This time will allow us to enhance our performance and focus on our development to get ready for the challenges ahead.”
Enyimba will start their campaign in the group phase against 2023 Egyptian League Cup runners-up Al Masry at Alexandria’s Borg El Arab Stadium on November 28 2024 .
Enyimba will host the current holders, Zamalek FC on December at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo before travelling to face Black Bull of Mozambique on December 15 in the first leg of the double header before returning to Uyo on January 5, 2025 for the second leg.
The Aba Elephants will then host Al Masry on January 12 and then Zamalek FC on January 19 2025.
Enyimba failed to score over two legs in the second round preliminary round of
CAF Confederations Cup against Burkina Faso’s Etoile Filante but qualified for the group stage via the lottery of penalties 3-2 in the second leg played at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium Uyo.
