El-Kanemi Warriors are facing a scheduling uncertainty ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCL) first preliminary round fixture against Benin’s Dadje FC, originally set for Sunday, August 18.
The 2023/24 President Federation Cup champions were set to host Dadje at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Sunday after CAF restricted them from using the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. The African football governing body dismissed the MKO stadium due to the poor condition of the pitch.
CAF’s decision left Sainna Buba, Borno State Commissioner for Sports, lamenting the financial burden of playing Ikenne. However, the club now faces a more pressing challenge — Remo Stars are also scheduled to host AS FAR in the first round of their CAFCL preliminary round on the same day and simultaneously in Ikenne.
With the Sky Blue Stars expected to go ahead with their fixture at their home ground, the Borno Army will have to bear the brunt of CAF’s oversight.
“Our match has now been adjusted between Friday and Saturday,’’ Tahiru Bala, El-Kanemi’s Media Officer, disclosed the scheduling uncertainty to Football411 on Monday.
El-Kanemi Warriors vs Dadje FC: What to expect
Despite the uncertainty around the first leg, both teams head into the clash with the knowledge that a win could be the difference ahead of the second leg in Benin later this month.
El-Kanemi enters the match highly motivated after receiving N35.2 million from the Borno State Government for ending a 32-year trophy drought with their President Federation Cup win. The Maiduguri-based team also concluded the 2023/24 season on a high note, finishing second in the Nigeria National League (NNL) and earning promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
In contrast, Dadje FC, who were runners-up in the Benin Premier League, seem to be the less motivated side. The Beninese side reportedly resumed training reluctantly due to wage disputes with the club’s management.
Theoretically, both teams appear evenly matched, with four wins and one loss in their last five games. However, El-Kanemi holds a historical edge in CAF competitions. The Borno Army will be making their third continental appearance, with past performances including a first-round exit in 1992 and a semi-final finish the following year.
With momentum on their side, El-Kanemi Warriors are expected to overcome Dadje FC and advance past the two-legged fixture.
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