Enyimba Head Coach, Yemi Olanrewaju, has described the People’s Elephant’s campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup, the Africa’s second-tier interclub competition, as a ‘failure’, and wants a winning response in their next NPFL match against Sunshine Stars at Enyimba International Stadium, Aba on Wednesday, Completesports.com reports.
Olanrewaju made the remark after the two-time African champions rallied from two goals down to hold Egypt’s Zamalek to a 2-2 draw at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Sunday December 8 in a Group D Matchday 2 fixture.
Enyimba had previously suffered a 2-0 defeat to another Egyptian side, Al Masry, in their Group D opener. A visibly distraught Olanrewaju lamented his team’s missed chances in the spirited contest.
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“Yes, you’ve just said it. If you’re in school and score one out of six, you’ve definitely failed. So, for me, we’ve failed. Just a single point from a possible six is an absolute failure,” the young tactician admitted candidly.
“Even though everyone keeps saying we played very well, I don’t want that commendation anymore. I want maximum three points – that’s all I’m interested in.
“Honestly, today, we had the chance to kill off this game. At worst, it could have ended 4-2 in our favour. We had all the chances but couldn’t convert them. It’s crazy.
“This has been our story all season. I can boldly say we’re the best team in terms of organisation and overall play in Nigeria. We’ve played all the top clubs, yet we’ve been suffering from a lack of goals, especially in the last three games. It’s been giving me sleepless nights.”
Enyimba were without two key players in the intense clash against Zamalek. Eze Ekwutoziam has been sidelined by injury for weeks, while Clinton Jephta was ruled out just hours before the match due to an undisclosed injury. Olanrewaju rued their absence but took solace in the performances of other players who seized the opportunity to step up as Enyimba prepare for their rescheduled NPFL Matchday 13 clash against Sunshine Stars.
“It was a real problem when I realised Jephta wasn’t going to play. I was furious. But it gave Austine Onyemachi a chance, and I think he did brilliantly, to be honest,” he said.
“To some extent, he did very well, and I’m impressed. However, I’m not happy about missing both of them for weeks. We need them. That said, their absence allowed others to step in, which fosters a sense of belonging for everyone.”
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Enyimba now shift their focus to their NPFL clash against Sunshine Stars in Aba, following their underwhelming continental performances. Olanrewaju has described the fixture as a “must-win” for the nine-time league champions.
“We have to win—it’s a must-win game for us. I don’t know how, but we must win against Sunshine Stars, honestly,” he enthused.
“Our backs are against the wall, and we have to push back. Since the Rangers game, which we deserved to win but had a goal shockingly disallowed, I don’t think I’ve slept more than five hours.
“A lot of people don’t care about the effort we’ve put in; they only care about results, which, for me, is the most important thing. So we must go all out against Sunshine Stars and get the win.
“It’s very important for the team and everyone involved. It’s especially important for the players’ efforts to be rewarded.”
By Sab Osuji
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