Enyimba FC will face Etoile de Filante of Burkina Faso in the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup after receiving a bye in the first preliminary round. The two time African champions, who finished third in the NPFL last season, are set to travel to Burkina Faso for the first leg on September 13, with the return leg scheduled for a week later in Nigeria.
Etoile de Filante advanced to this stage by eliminating Hafia of Guinea, drawing 1-1 in Guinea and holding on to a goalless draw at home to progress via the away goals rule.
Editorial
As Enyimba prepares for their upcoming CAF Confederation Cup encounter with Etoile de Filante, all eyes will be on the team’s ability to capitalise on their long history of continental success. Having been given a bye in the first round, this match will serve as a critical opportunity for the Nigerian side to set the tone for their campaign.
Enyimba’s recent form in the NPFL, where they finished third, demonstrates their capability, but facing a determined Etoile de Filante, who edged past Hafia on away goals, won’t be an easy task. The first leg away in Burkina Faso will be crucial, and Enyimba will need to perform at their best to ensure a favourable result before returning home.
We believe that Enyimba has the experience and squad depth to make a strong push in this competition. Their strategy must focus on getting a strong start, especially in the first leg, to avoid the pressure of chasing a result in the return fixture.
Enyimba’s continued success in African football is not just vital for the club, but also for Nigerian football’s standing on the continent. A strong showing in this tie could pave the way for further achievements in the competition, and we are confident that the team is up to the challenge.
Did You Know?
- Enyimba FC is the only Nigerian club to have won the CAF Champions League, doing so twice in 2003 and 2004.
- Etoile de Filante, based in Ouagadougou, is one of Burkina Faso’s most successful football clubs.
- The CAF Confederation Cup is the second tier club competition in African football, equivalent to Europe’s UEFA Europa League.
- Enyimba’s home ground, the Enyimba International Stadium, has a capacity of 16,000 and has hosted numerous continental matches.
- Enyimba is one of Nigeria’s most decorated clubs, having won the Nigerian Premier Football League eight times.
