Plateau United’s impressive defender Elijah Ogene has assured fans of the reigning Nigeria Professional Football League champions that playing in Kano against Etoile du Sahel will offer no difference to their traditional home, Jos.
United have been forced to play Sunday’s CAF Champions League second leg first round game against the Tunisian side at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano by the Confederation of African Football but the versatile Ogene believes it will not matter for them.
“Kano is just like a home to us,” Ogene told www.aclsports.com from the team’s hotel base in Kano.
“We did our pre season here before the start of the league, a major tournament (NPFL Pre-Season Invitational tournament) was also played here which prepared us for the season.
“Most of our fans are also from here so we believe it will also help us,” assures Ogene
Ogene has been an ever-present figure in the United team this term, most times confining team captain Elisha Golbe to the substitute bench. He gives an inkling into what their approach would be for Sunday’s game.
“Sunday’s game is a must-win for us. We are taking the game like a final game and we will come all out from the blast of the whistle.”
Two of United’s defensive options Hamisu Saleh and Emma James make a return to the side after card suspension and Ogene believes that will provide an extra boost for his side as they may need to shut out their opponents.
“I think we missed them in the first leg, as you can see, a right back (Chizoba Amaefule) played at left back for us but we thank God they are back now and they are fit for the game.”
Ogene scored his team’s first ever CAF Champions League goal against Eding Sport in Jos in the last round and leaves a passionate message to the team’s teeming fans.
“I just want to tell the fans that, we will try and do our best to make them proud on Sunday. They should please come all out to support us on Sunday. We love them and will fight for them,” concluded Ogene.
Plateau United vs Etoile du Sahel will kickoff at 2pm, under the scorching Sunday sun in Kano with the Tunisians holding a 4-2 advantage from the first leg in Sousse.
