Fresh from our season-opening victory in Owerri, the focus understandably has to shift to bigger things. The CAF Confederations Cup final preliminary round is upon us, and this Saturday, we face Étoile Filante of Burkina Faso in Mali. It’s another huge test, and the message from Coach Yemi Olarenwaju, better known as Yema, is crystal clear: complacency is not an option.
In his own words:
“We don’t really have much information about them, but we know that they must have been following us. This is Enyimba FC, and we know what the club represents and what it stands for. We don’t win yesterday and celebrate and forget we have to win the next game, and this is the culture and attitude at the club. I had to let the boys know that this isn’t the club where you win one match and you’re happy and get carried away. So we’ll go there, to fight and represent the club and hope for a better result.”
That’s exactly the mentality that has brought Enyimba so much success over the years. No resting on our laurels, no celebrating too early – every game matters, and every win is just a stepping stone to the next.
While fans can savor the 3-1 win in the prestigious Oriental Derby against Heartland FC, there’s no time for anyone to get comfortable. The next challenge lies in Mali, and expectations are high as always.
Who will step up this time? Clinton Jephtha was the hero in Owerri, delivering two stunning goals that silenced the home crowd. But football is full of surprises. Could a new hero emerge in Mali? Or will Jephtha continue his match-winning form?
This will be only the second game of the season, but it’s a big one – a chance to set the tone for the rest of the campaign and continue our journey towards continental glory. The fans, as ever, expect nothing less than victory. With Yema’s focused leadership and the squad ready to battle, we can only look forward to another day of glory for the People’s Elephant.
So, to all the fans gearing up for this weekend, let’s back the boys with our usual passion. Every step counts, and Mali could be the next big step in a promising season.
‘EnyimbaEnyi
