Enyimba captain Somiari Alalibo has told www.aclsports.com that his team’s win over Akwa United on Sunday is crucial for their preparations for the club’s upcoming African Football League (AFL) campaign.
It was Alalibo’s 67th minute free kick – his first official goal for the club – that proved to be match winner for Enyimba in the Match Day 3 encounter against Akwa United at the Enyimba International Stadium on Sunday.
The win was the People’s Elephant’s first in four competitive matches across all competitions this season and the soft spoken centre back says it came at the right time.
“This win is timely because we have a big assignment ahead of us in the coming weekend so to get our first win of the season against a top side is very crucial,” said Alalibo.
Sunday’s win came in the absence of Enyimba head coach Finidi George who was with Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Portugal, leaving his assistant, Yemi Olanrewaju to take the saddle in his boss’ absence.
Enyimba will face fellow former CAF Champions League winners Wydad Casablanca in their African Football League (AFL) first leg quarter final clash next Sunday and Alalibo believes his side are up for it.
“It’s a game we’re looking forward to. Many of we players consider it as a great opportunity to put ourselves out for the world and we can’t wait to give a good account of ourselves.
“We know that Wydad are a strong side but they are not perfect so we will hope to exploit their imperfections over the two legs,” Enyimba vice captain Alalibo told www.aclsports.com on Tuesday.
The Enyimba team have already arrived Uyo for their final preparations ahead of the game billed to hold at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium (also known as the Nest of Champions), Uyo on Sunday starting from 7pm local time.
