The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Enyimba

  • Lateef wants response against Enyimba

    Lateef wants response against Enyimba

    • Akpokona apologises to fans

    By Taofeek Babalola

    Crown FC shot-stopper Raji Lateef said he is full of  confidence going into the week 10 Glo Premier League fixture against Enyimba FC at the Aba Township stadium on Wednesday.
    Lateef added that the club has shrugged-off the agonizing experience of last weekend’s result at home, which ended 1-1 against Nembe City.
    He insisting that the club’s hopes and aspirations are not defeated, stressing that the result was an indication that anything can happen in the game of football.
    “If Nembe City who’s yet to find their feat in the league could garner a point in the full glare of our  spectators and fans then it is our time to shine on the road beginning from this mid-week match against Enyimba FC in Aba,” Lateef said.
    Meanwhile, the Technical Adviser of the club, Lawrence Akpokona has apologised to the teeming fans of the club on the unimpressive outing against Nembe City, adding that there are better days to remedy the situation.
    Akpokona while calming the fray nerves of the supporters maintained that the hopes and aspirations attached to his job is still much intact and that he is not ready to jettison it for anything.
    “Although, Enyimba is a tough side but the league is still much open for any serious team to pick points anywhere,” Akpokona said.
    The outcome of Sunday’s game against Nembe City means Ajilete Boys dropped to 6th position on the log with 13 points from 9 matches.

  • Enyimba topple Lobi Stars 3-0 at Aba

    Enyimba topple Lobi Stars 3-0 at Aba

    Enyimba showed they have put their troubles behind them after they dispatched visiting Lobi Stars 3-0 in a Glo Premier League Week 8 encounter decided at Aba yesterday.

    The People’s Elephant only recently restored head coach, Zachary Baraje to the saddle after telling him to step aside. He marked his return with a victory over the Makurdi side.

    Abdulrahman Bashir put the Aba Millionaires on the path of victory with the curtain raiser in the 16th minute before his former colleague at ABS increased the tally 10 minutes later.

    Lobi fought back like a wounded lion but they were unable to keep the rampaging Enyimba at bay despite their effort.

    Enyimba scored the final goal of the encounter in the 82nd minute through Mfon Udoh to the excitement of the People’s Elephant’s supporters who thronged the Enyimba International Stadium.

    Enyimba are now on 11 points from seven matches while Lobi have 12 points from eight matches.

  • Enyimba: We are not in crisis

    Enyimba: We are not in crisis

    Enyimba of Aba’s spokesman, Farriel Allaputa has pointed that the draw secured at Warri against the Seasiders showed that the People’s Elephant were not in any form of crisis as depicted by all and sundry.

    The Aba Millionaires played a barren draw against Warri Wolves to halt their two match losing streak against Abia Warriors and FC Taraba and they have a top of the bill clash with current league pacesetters, Akwa United on Sunday at Aba.

    The game would be the first home tie the club would be playing after the loss to Abia Warriors in the Abia derby two weeks ago.

    Allaputa told SportingLife that Enyimba would be gunning for the three points at stake against the league leaders as the players and coaches have been briefed on the importance of turning a new leaf and recording a win over the Promise Keepers.

    “We are going to get the three points against Akwa United. Enyimba is not in any form of crisis. We are intact and poised to take all points against our opponents. We have shown that we now have a new mindset with the draw against Warri Wolves,” Allaputa told SportingLife.

  • Enyimba’s goalkeepers’ trainer sacked

    Enyimba’s goalkeepers’ trainer sacked

    Six-time Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Enyimba have announced that goalkeeper coach, Shuaibu Suleiman has been sacked.

    Suleiman was suspended on March 2 shortly after Enyimba suffered a shock 1-2 home loss to Malian club, AS Real Bamako in the CAF Champions League.

    He was suspended for endorsing goalkeeper, Femi Thomas for the game after it was revealed that the shot-stopper was indisposed.

    Chairman of Enyimba, Felix Anyansi-Agwu confirmed that Suleiman will not be recalled from suspension.

    “He will not be coming back. That issue has been dealt with and we have since moved on from that,” Anyansi-Agwu told supersport.com.

    Thomas has not played for Enyimba since that defeat to AS Real Bamako, but Anyansi insists he has great respect for the former Ocean Boys goalkeeper.

    “Femi Thomas is one of the best goalkeepers in Nigeria. Everyone saw what he did last season and he has not become a bad goalkeeper overnight.

    “We are pleased to have him here,” he said.

    Enyimba have won two and drawn one of their last three games since they lost to AS Real Bamako in Aba.

  • UDOJI: RANGERS STAND NO CHANCE AGAINST ENYIMBA

    UDOJI: RANGERS STAND NO CHANCE AGAINST ENYIMBA

    He is the leader of two-time African champions, Enyimba, on and off the pitch for more than a year now since taking up the armband at the start of the 2012/13 Glo Premier League season. Chinedu Udoji spoke to SUPERSPORT.COM on the eve of the southeast derby against rivals, Enugu Rangers. He talks on the rivalry with the Flying Antelopes, Enyimba’s dominance over their opponents in Aba since the Premier League era. The old-fashioned centre-back rounds off this chat by admitting that his dream is to play in one of Europe’s top five leagues, where the art of defence is highly appreciated.

    THURSDAY’S game against Sunshine Stars ended 0-0. Do you think Enyimba missed the chance to win that game in Akure?

    Yes, we had a lot of chances to score but we didn’t take them. Although you’ll have to admit that their goalkeeper (Ikechukwu Ezenwa) had a good game. But we thank God for the draw.

    Do you think Enyimba are still haunted by the fact that they’ve never won at Sunshine Stars in the Premier League era?

    You know it was our first match of the season. I believe we will get better as the season progresses.

    You’ll be playing in another big game on Sunday (today) against Enugu Rangers. That is two big games in the space of four days. Don’t you fear fatigue will set in for you and your teammates?

    No, I am not sure. We are professionals and we have been conditioned to such match schedule over the years. We are always ready for these kinds of games and we are also ready for this one.

    Rangers are one of your biggest rivals in the southeast and in the country apart from Heartland and Kano Pillars. How special is this game to you and your team?

    To me it is not that special. I treat all matches special because I love winning every match.

    So it’s going to be a win for Enyimba on Sunday then?

    By God’s grace, we will.

    Do you feel proud of Enyimba’s record against Rangers in Aba especially in the Premier League era where Enyimba have never dropped points in Aba or conceded a goal against Rangers?

    Yes, it’s a very proud record for us as a club. It shows Enyimba have a tradition and mentality of winning matches, big matches for that matter. But we have to work hard to keep that record going.

    Do you feel under pressure to keep that record going and even continue to keep your record of not conceding at home in the league from last season?

    No, we are not under any pressure to keep that record. All I can say is, we want to do better than we did last season.

    Can we say doing better than last season could mean going the whole hog to win the league since you finished second last season?

    Yes, I believe by the grace of God we can do it. But we will have to work hard to achieve that because other teams also want to win the league this season.

    Do you have any personal target for this season with Enyimba?

    I want to win everything and to be a better player because I am thinking of going places.

    Do you have the dream of playing abroad? And which country would you love to play in?

    Yes, of course, as a professional footballer I am thinking about it. Any country where football is regarded as a big sport and where there’s a large pool of big players who I can learn from by playing alongside them will be fine for me. But I’ll love to play in Italy.

    Have you thought of playing for the Super Eagles some day after being overlooked by the national selectors?

    Yes, I look forward to that. But I guess it’s not time yet for that to happen. So, I’ll wait for God’s time and I believe it will come in the future.

  • FANS URGED TO SUPPORT ENYIMBA AGAINST RANGERS

    FANS URGED TO SUPPORT ENYIMBA AGAINST RANGERS

    ENYIMBA of Aba have been implored to ensure that they secure maximum points to gladden the hearts of their faithful supporters when they host Rangers in an Oriental Derby today.

    The People’s Elephants got a draw away against Sunshine Stars FC and have been told that a victory over their bitter rivals, Rangers will put back smiles on their fans faces.

    A People’s Elephants fan Donald Egemba alias ‘Dero’ in a chat with SportingLife said he found it appalling that Enyimba supporters were cheering the visitors from AS Real de Bamako of Mali when the team visited Aba and secured a 2-1 win in the CAF Champions League. Dero appealed to Aba fans to continue to support Enyimba whether things are going well or not.

  • Udoji: We are sorry

    Udoji: We are sorry

    Captain of Enyimba FC of Aba, Chinedu Udoji has apologised on behalf of his team after their 1-2 home loss to AS Real Bamako in their first leg, first round of the CAF Champions league match in Aba, Sunday.

    “I want to say sorry to our fans that came to watch us yesterday (Sunday). I know you guys are not happy,” Udoji began on his Facebook wall.

    “I know we didn’t play well, but we believe we can still qualify by God’s grace. We need your prayers and support.

    “Sorry once again,” the Enyimba skipper wrote.

    Enyimba will travel to Mali this weekend for the second leg with hope to upturn the scoreline and progress to the next stage of the competition.

     

  • ‘Enyimba can still qualify’

    ‘Enyimba can still qualify’

    Felix Anyansi Agwu has admitted that the task Enyimba faces following Sunday’s home defeat to AS Real is enormous but expresses confidence nonetheless in their qualification to the next round of the CAF Champions League.

    The Elephants were stunned in the second half by two quickfire goals from Moctar Cisse and Amaddu Sidibe after Sibi Gwar had given them the lead going into half time and this has left the two-time winners with a mountain to climb in the return fixture in Bamako.

    Speaking to EnyimbaFC.net after the game, the club boss admitted that it was a tough position the club find themselves in.

    “Certainly this is a big disappointment, not just for the club, but for the country as a whole. We are one of the biggest teams in Africa and naturally everyone expects us to do well at this stage of the competition, but football can produce results like this when you least expect it.

    “I know we are now in a tough position and the game in Mali will not be easy, but I believe we can still qualify. It will be difficult, but certainly not impossible. We are the sole representative of Nigeria in this competition and we do not intend to drop out just like that.”

    Enyimba, who had not lost at home since 2005 to Al Ahly of Egypt, appeared to be in control of the game until they were undone by poor defending and Anyansi insists the team must improve in order to stand a chance of making history.

    “We played poorly in the game, not just by how we failed to convert our chances but how we defended and our overall attitude. The players seemed to lack belief in themselves and they allowed the Malians too much room to operate. But the deed has been done and nothing can change it.

    “What we need to do now is to make history. The Malians have made history by being the first Malian team to come here and defeat us. We too have to go there and defeat them and qualify to make history for ourselves and correct the wrongs of this match. Too many people are unhappy today and the only way we can make it right is to go to Mali and qualify.

    “Like I said, it is going to be difficult but it is not an impossible mission. If we go there with the right attitude and give it our best, I’m sure we can beat them. The technical crew needs to go back to the drawing board and come up with a match plan that will ensure we win and qualify. We as management will provide the platform that they need to do well but at the end of the day, they will need to go out on the pitch to do what is right,” he stated.

    Enyimba meanwhile have announced the immediate suspension of the team’s goalkeeper trainer, Shuaibu Suleiman following the result of Sunday’s match.

  • ANYASI- I’m in love with Enyimba, Chelsea

    ANYASI- I’m in love with Enyimba, Chelsea

    You don’t have to look farther than Felix Anyansi Agwu as the man that turned around the fortune of Nigeria’s most successful club, Enyimba International Football Club of Aba.

    Formed as a provincial club in the 1970s by a civil servant, Jerry Amadi Enyeazu -who was the first Director for Sports in the newly established Imo State- from where Abia State was carved out, the People’s Elephants became a major force in Nigerian football about three decades later at the dawn of the democratic rule.

    At the instance of soccer-loving former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, Enyimba broke the jinx of not winning the CAF Champions League trophy in 2003 after 40 years of trying without success. But Agwu has remained as constant as the Northern star and one would be forgiven to say without his Midas touch, there won’t be brand Enyimba! Under his watch, Enyimba has won a record 26 trophies in 13 years and it is there for all to see that no one speaks passionately about the People’s Elephants than Agwu.

    “Enyimba is a baby dear to my heart and what we have done all these years is unprecedented but we are not resting on our oars,” Anyansi told the The Nation Sport & Style in the thick of preparations for today’s Champions League First Round, First Leg match against Real De Bamako of Mali in Aba.” I love Enyimba with passion and the only club I share same passion for is Chelsea FC of England.”

    Though Agwu said the achievements of Enyimba compared favourably with that of Manchester United under the retired Sir Alex Ferguson, his heart has long been taken by the Stamford Bridge giants.

    “Supporting a club is about style and team like Chelsea that supports African players carries my heart,” Agwu said with a cacophony of laughter when pressed on why he’s not supporting Manchester United because of his fondness for Ferguson.

    “I’m not supporting Chelsea because of Mourinho or because of a particular player, rather I love Chelsea because they are the Blues and as you know, blue is the colour of Enyimba.

    “My concern is always about the welfare of African players in a tough and demanding league in Europe.

    “But by and large, Chelsea have been so liberal with their recruitment of African players and I respect them for that,” Agwu, an executive committee member of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), noted as he spoke about his stewardship as well as the challenge of managing the People’s Elephants all these years. Excerpts…

    Stewardship at Enyimba

    I was actually the vice-chairman in 1999 and some few months after, I was made the chairman when the incumbent voluntarily resigned for some business reason. I was later appointed as the substantive chairman of the club in 2000. There is no perfect word to describe the management of Enyimba all these years, rather I would describe it as sweet and sour. I say this with all sense of responsibility because there have been some really good, exciting moments at this club and there have been some sad, difficult periods; very challenging moments too. So, it is a combination of two extreme situations. But on the whole, it has been wonderful and glorious since 2000 up till date.

    If you go through the records of what we have achieved since 2000, it’s amazing because we have been winning trophies from 2001 till today and we have actually won a total of 26 trophies. I think this is unprecedented to have a club winning this number of trophies within 12-13 years. It takes a great club in the mould of Manchester United under the great manager, Alex Ferguson, to have been able to do such. You remember Sir Ferguson won about twenty-something trophies in 18 years when he was in charge of Manchester United. It is not an easy job to achieve so much, but we thank God we have been able to do this and ready to even do more.

    Sustaining success with Enyimba

    It doesn’t tally that way. Having won a double in 2003 and 2004, Enyimba has not been able to win it again. It doesn’t work that way because there are a lot of factors that come into play before a team can win the Champions League, be it in Africa or Europe. We don’t have to be narrow minded about this because to play on the continent is not an easy thing for that matter because there are equally good teams who are desirous of winning the trophy but it was not the lack of efforts on our part that we have not been able to win it again. If you look at what we have been able to do since when we won two successive Champions League and two African Super Cup, you would agree that we have been striving to be at the top of our game. Of course, we have represented the country on so many other occasions since then and we even reached the semi-final stages of the competition about four times at one point or the other, which is by no means an easy achievement. Some other clubs would celebrate reaching the semi-final of the CAF Champions League as if they have won the trophy but we can’t afford to do that because we are a champion’s team. There are so many factors that can stop you for winning no matter how much you try to and I will cite an example. In 2011, we played 10 matches unbeaten and got to the semi-final and the only match we lost was in Morocco 1-0 and we drew goalless in Aba which stopped us from progressing to the final.

    Dirty tricks against Enyimba

    Many people would be wondering why it is only Enyimba that is winning trophies and there are even tricks here and there in order to stop us from winning but we are used to them because they are mere obstacles that shouldn’t stop us anyway. Of course, we don’t want to forget that clubs pass through phases and life is all about ups and downs; you can win everything, every time but our determination is to continue to give our best all the time. I think it is only Al-Ahly of Egypt that has been able to win the Champions League on three successive occasions and it goes to show that it is not an easy job to win the CAF Champions League. But we are going to give it our best effort this season and probably, this is going to be our time to win it for the third time. We want to go as far as winning the trophy and that is our priority this year. We pray that with luck on our side we can go all the way because we have resolved to bend backward to rule the continent. We have waited for so long and I believe the moment is here with us again. We are serious contender and I believe we have signalled our intention. All over Africa, they are aware of our pedigree because we are not an ordinary team as such; we really mean business this year. It is our hope and aspirations to win it again.

    No guarantee in football

    There is no guarantee in football even if you score 20 goals in the first leg because you can still have an off day at work in the second leg. I’m surprised when I hear people saying that ‘ you should win 3-0 or 4-0 to make the second leg game a mere formality. But that is not always the case because you can still have a low margin score line and still win well in the second game because win or lose, it all depends on your effort. I would give you a classical scenario with the Malian team, Real DE Bamako, we are meeting this weekend: They went to Morocco in the Preliminary Round and were leading 2-0 till the 89th minute when ASFAR scored a goal and went on to get the equaliser during the three minutes added time. On paper, everybody would have thought that the ASFAR would be beaten black and blue in Bamako yet the second leg ended 1-1; that shows that you cannot even get carried away even when you already have a good result. For us, that has given us an idea about how strong Real Bamako can be even on an away ground and we are not going to handle them with kids’ gloves

    My take on home-based Super Eagles

    In fact, I don’t want to be drawn to what I had said in the past, because as an executive committee member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), I noted that they did very well but their performance could have been better for obvious reasons. My thinking is that we need to appoint a coach for the home-based team who would be working in hand-in hand with the Super Eagles coach. For instance, Coach Stephen Keshi has little time because he’s always busy with the senior national team and I felt there should be an opening for a coach who is familiar with the domestic league for the home-based team. Of course, such appointment would not a permanent one rather when the need arises for the competition. The coach would have the opportunity of paying attention to players in the league and with that we can select the best players to represent the country and I think this would bring about improved performance.

  • Enyimba aim for big win over Real Bamako

    Enyimba aim for big win over Real Bamako

    Enyimba plan an emphatic win over AS Real Bamako of Mali in a first round, first leg CAF Champions League clash today in Aba.

    In the preliminary round of the competition, Enyimba eliminated Anges de Notse of Togo and Real Bamako brushed aside FAR Rabat of Morocco.

    ‘The Peoples Elephant’s’ first-choice goalkeeper Femi Thomas told MTNFootball.com they are looking forward to winning the game comprehensively to make the return leg a mere formality.

    “We have been preparing hard for the game against Real Bamako. Our target is to beat them with a wide goal margin so as to make the second leg a non issue,” Thomas said.

    “We know what we went through in Lome, we don’t want to give room for that again. If we beat them very well here, there won’t be any pranks from them.”

    In same vein, Enyimba striker, Mfon Udoh told MTNFootball.com he hopes to score his first goal on the continent against Real Bamako and help his team win well.

    “We know how important every game in the Champions League is to our ambition of winning the trophy. We are ready to teach Real Bamako a football lesson,” Udoh declared.

    “I am looking forward to be among the goal scorers as we beat them silly.”

    Enyimba defeated Dolphins and Akwa united in tune up games ahead of the all important clash.

    They defeated Dolphins 1-0 courtesy Ayo Saka’s lone strike with Paul Godwin in goal, while they beat Akwa United 3-0 Sunday with goals from Emeka Nwana(Ayaya), Mfon Udoh and Ifeanyi Ede with Femi Thomas in goal.