Enyimba FC head coach Yemi Olanrewaju has characterized the club’s CAF Confederation Cup group stage opponents as formidable following Monday’s draw in Cairo, Egypt.
The People’s Elephant will compete in Group D against reigning champions Zamalek of Egypt, Al Masry of Egypt, and Black Bulls of Mozambique. Olanrewaju acknowledged that they are ready to take on the challenge.
“While we may have preferred a less challenging group, true champions know they must be ready to face anyone,” Olanrewaju noted. “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.
“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.”
Despite not having too much information about Black Bulls, Olanrewaju opined that Enyimba would be ready for them.
“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, ” he added.
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.
Enyimba will host the current holders, Zamalek FC in 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.
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 penalties 3-2 in the second leg played at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium Uyo.
