George Abine, the goalkeeper of El-Kanemi Warriors, expresses his confidence in the team’s advancement to the subsequent round of the CAF Confederation Cup despite playing their initial match at a makeshift home venue in Ikenne, Ogun State, as stated by PUNCH Sports Extra.
The reigning 2024 Federation Cup champions are set to take on Dadje FC of Benin Republic at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Saturday, following non-compliance of their Maiduguri home ground with the CAF accreditation requirements.
By defeating Abia Warriors 2-0 in the final match of the President Federation Cup in Lagos back in June, El-Kanemi secured the second CAF Confederation Cup berth.
Nasiru Salihu’s brace sealed El-Kanemi’s third title, marking their return to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Amidst their top-flight comeback, they are also maneuvering through challenging continental preliminaries. Abine, a key player in their Federation Cup victory, remains steadfast in his belief that playing in Ikenne will not hinder their performance.
“We managed to clinch the FA Cup title in an unfamiliar setting, and our team ethos is that anywhere can feel like home,” quoted the goalkeeper to PUNCH Sports Extra.
“Since our arrival in Ikenne, the ambiance has been positive, and our training sessions have been rigorous.”
Throughout the campaign for the title, Abine maintained five clean sheets and conceded only one goal.
During the FA Cup final at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, El-Kanemi Warriors witnessed strong support from their Lagos-based fans. Abine anticipates a similar backing in Ikenne.
“The overwhelming presence of our fans during the FA Cup final was inspiring, and we did not disappoint. I encourage them to show their support once more in Ikenne, and I am confident that football enthusiasts across Nigeria will be rooting for us.”
Following the first leg in Ikenne this Saturday, the team will travel to Benin Republic for the return fixture. Additionally, a challenging encounter against the former champions RS Berkane of Morocco awaits them in the subsequent round.
Enyimba, the nine-time Nigerian champions, are also vying in the CAF Confederation Cup. They were granted exemption from the initial round of preliminaries owing to their high ranking in the competition. Enyimba awaits the winners between Haifa (Guinea) vs. Rahimo (Burkina Faso) to proceed to the group stage.