Enyimba FC’s head coach, Yemi Olanrewaju, has expressed his admiration for his team and coaching staff following their successful qualification to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup. Enyimba secured a tense 3-2 victory in a penalty shootout against Etoile Filante of Burkina Faso after both legs ended in scoreless draws. The decisive shootout took place at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Following this triumph, Enyimba returned to Aba and continued their good form with a 2-1 victory over Lobi Stars in the Nigerian Professional Football League NPFL. Olanrewaju, reflecting on the team’s success, attributed their recent accomplishments to collective effort, praising his players and technical staff. Despite his pivotal role, the coach was quick to pass credit to his backroom team and his players, highlighting their importance in the success.
I won’t take the credit, but I will give it to my backroom staff and the players. I am excited because I am the youngest among them, Olanrewaju remarked. He further explained how he pushes the team to perform at their best, expressing that their qualification for the group stage is a significant moment for both the club and his career.
Though he acknowledged the importance of personal ambition, Olanrewaju emphasized that the team’s success comes first. He expressed gratitude to God for providing the strength and support necessary to achieve these milestones.
I think God has been very helpful to me, and I want to return all the glory to him, he concluded.
Editorial
We are immensely proud of Enyimba FC’s recent achievement in qualifying for the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup. As a football club with a rich history, this accomplishment is a continuation of the legacy of excellence that Enyimba represents. The significance of this victory cannot be overstated, especially given the nerve racking nature of the penalty shootout. For us, this triumph exemplifies the hard work, discipline, and unity that define championship teams.
Coach Yemi Olanrewaju’s humility in sharing the credit with his players and technical crew speaks to his character as a leader. He has demonstrated that success in football is not just about personal ambition but about creating an environment where everyone plays a role in achieving the team’s goals. His approach is a model of collective responsibility, where each player and staff member is acknowledged for their contribution.
This qualification is a moment for celebration, not only because it secures Enyimba’s place in the prestigious competition but also because it reflects the broader ambitions of the club. The drive to compete at the highest levels in Africa is part of Enyimba’s DNA. We believe that this achievement will inspire the players to push even harder in the next stages of the competition.
Olanrewaju’s leadership also highlights the importance of young coaches in Nigerian football. His ability to motivate and lead one of Africa’s most successful clubs is a positive sign for the future of football in the country. We feel that Nigerian clubs need more youthful, dynamic coaches like Olanrewaju, who bring fresh ideas and a modern approach to the game. His success with Enyimba shows that the future of Nigerian football is bright if the right talents are nurtured.
As Enyimba looks ahead to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup, we have full confidence that the team, under Olanrewaju’s leadership, will continue to make Nigeria proud. This victory is a step in the right direction, and we look forward to witnessing more historic moments from the team.
Did You Know?
- Enyimba FC is the most successful Nigerian club in continental football, having won the CAF Champions League twice in 2003 and 2004.
- The club was founded in 1976 and is based in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria.
- Enyimba FC is nicknamed The People’s Elephant due to their strength and dominance in Nigerian football.
- The CAF Confederation Cup is Africa’s second tier club competition, equivalent to Europe’s UEFA Europa League.
- Enyimba’s home stadium, Enyimba International Stadium, has a seating capacity of 16,000 and is one of the most iconic stadiums in Nigeria.
