AFL: Uyo agog as Enyimba clashes with Wydad Casablanca
Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom state in Nigeria’s South is agog as NPFL champions Enyimba of Aba host Wydad FC of Casablanca in an African Football League (AFL) clash.
The Aba millionaires have made the Nest of Champions stadium in Uyo their home turf as they carry the hopes of millions of Nigerians.
This is the maiden edition of the AFL and Enyimba coach George Finidi says they have to win this game.
He told enyimbafc.net that confidence was high in the team camp.
“The encounter with Wydad Casablanca is going to be an interesting one,” Finidi, who is also the first assistant coach of the Super Eagles, said.
“My team is prepared. Having watched my team play against Akwa United (in the NPFL), the chances we created gives me that confidence to go into this game.
“We know it’s not going to be an easy match. They are a formidable side. They are a good side. They have all the experience, but I think we have players that can match them.
“We would do our best to make sure that we win. That’s going to be our thinking.
“The players are prepared physically and mentally.”
He added that his wards will surely get some pep talk to really get them going for the game.
“So, I have no doubt that despite the fact that we know it’s going to be a tough game, my team is capable of winning it.”
Team-Spirit
Enyimba midfielder Eze Ekwutoziam says the 2-time African champions are poised to give Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca a ‘good fight’ when both teams clash in the money-spinning inaugural African Football League (AFL).
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Though Nigerian champions Enyimba come into the fixture as underdogs, the former Rahimo of Burkina Faso star believes his side are well prepared and ready to even eliminate Wydad, who won the CAF Champions League last year, over two legs.
“It’s football,” the versatile player stated.
“For me, I believe we all are ready. I believe 100% that we are going to eliminate Wydad Casablanca.
“The team is in good shape now, trying to put things in order, and I believe come Sunday, and even in the away fixture, we’re going to put in a good fight against them.
“I know it is not going to be an easy task for us because Wydad are one of the biggest teams in Africa. They are not a pushover team.
“We have to do extra, we have been working extremely hard even before this encounter. So, I believe we are going to put up a good fight.
“We’ll make them realize that we are the best in Nigeria and West Africa. So, we are fine and good to go.”
Support
While Nigerians across the country and indeed the World are praying for an Enyimba win, Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro has sent his best wishes to Enyimba ahead of their African Football League quarter-final clash against Morocco’s Wydad Athletic Club.
Peseiro took to social media to wish Enyimba the best in the game.
“Wishing all the best to Enyimba as they make their debut in the African Football League tomorrow. Good luck to all the players and staff!” Peseiro wrote on his X handle.
Wishing all the best to Enyimba as they make their debut in the African Football League tomorrow. Good luck to all the players and staff! https://t.co/rHdg1Kef8M
— Jose Peseiro (@JosePeseiro) October 21, 2023
The match will kickoff at 18:00GMT (7pm Nigerian time).
The second leg takes place on 25 October at Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca, with aggregate winners advancing to the last 4 of the very lucrative tournament.
Source: enyimbafc.net
