Enyimba FC’s new coach, Stanley Eguma, has described his team’s 4-1 win over Associação Black Bulls FC at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo as a New Year's gift to Nigerians.
He said this after the emphatic win over the Mozambican champions put Enyimba’s CAF Confederation Cup Group D campaign back on track following a poor start that saw them going three games winless.
“I will say that this result is like a New Year gift to Nigerians because Nigerians have been yearning for this kind of result in the continent,” Eguma told a post-match press conference.
He lauded his wards for their spirited performance despite facing the Mozambicans minus some regulars such as Europe-bound midfielder Daniel Daga.
“We had to improvise the holding midfield position due to injuries, and Daga’s absence. We used Innocent Gabriel, a centre-back, and he delivered. Today, we’ve been able to raise the pace and change to a winning mentality,” Eguma added.
Black Bulls media officer, Nuno Sousa, said the game was defined by fine margins.
“Football is a game of fine margins, and unfortunately, those details made the difference yesterday. Our president had already mentioned that it would be a challenging match due to the adverse conditions and the travel involved. However, we don't want to make excuses. It was a heavy defeat that leaves us in a difficult position for the next stage,” he told Pan-Africa Football.
The Nigerians, who still anchor the group, scored through Joseph Atule, Ifeanyi Ihemekwele, Brown Ideye and Kalu Nweke whereas Ejaita Ifoni registered the visitors’ consolation.
The win took the Aba-based giants’ tally to four points, on par with Black Bulls, ahead of the game against Egypt’s Al Masry on Sunday. The Mozambicans date the group’s leaders Zamalek on the same date in Cairo.
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