Though Enyimba hasn’t scored in their last five continental matches, head coach Yemi Olanrewaju insists the People’s Elephants are ready to turn their fortunes around in the 2024/25 CAFCC group stage.
Yemi Olanrewaju, head coach of Enyimba FC, has declared the club’s readiness for the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC) group stage after being drawn in Group D on Monday, October 8.
The People’s Elephants secured their spot in the CAFCC group stage courtesy of a penalty shootout victory over Burkina Faso’s Etoile Filante, following a goalless two-legged clash. During the draws held in Cairo on Monday, Enyimba were placed in a challenging group alongside defending champions Zamalek SC, Al Masry SC of Egypt, and Mozambique’s Black Bulls.
“We are ready,” Olanrewaju told Flashscore, despite Enyimba’s current five-game goalless streak in continental matches. “The boys have been performing well in the league [NPFL], currently sitting second 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.”
Enyimba’s first group match is scheduled for November 28 at Alexandria’s Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria, Egypt, where they will face Al Masry. With over 40 days until the clash, Olanrewaju expressed his satisfaction with the preparation time.
“I’m pleased that we have at least a month to prepare before the continental games begin,” the 32-year-old said. “This time will allow us to enhance our performance and focus on our development to get ready for the challenges ahead. While we might have preferred a less challenging group, true champions must be ready to face anyone.”
“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. We know it will be challenging.”
Enyimba is the only Nigerian club still competing in CAF competitions after Remo Stars and Rangers International were eliminated in the CAF Champions League (CAFCL) preliminary stage. El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri, who were the other NPFL club competing in the CAFCC, also bowed out in the preliminary round.
The Aba-based side remains the last Nigerian club to have won a CAF competition, following their back-to-back CAFCL triumphs in 2003 and 2004. Though it has been over 20 years since that historic feat, Olanrewaju insists that the expectations for the current Elephants haven’t changed.
“Although the current generation of players differs from those that won the CAF Champions League consecutively — both in terms of quality, personnel, and mentality — the expectations from fans remain the same,” said the former Nigeria U-17 coach.
“These demands consistently keep us on our toes, pushing us to achieve success for the club. Even when faced with pressure, we avoid adding unnecessary stress but always stay focused on making the club proud.”
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