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Sports News of Sunday, 2 May 2021

Source: guardian.ng

Enyimba FC not under any pressure to face Pyramids - Ayansi

Enyimba International FC Enyimba International FC

Enyimba FC of Aba Chairman, Ayansi Agu, has said that the People’s Elephants are not under any form of pressure ahead of the CAF Confederations Cup quarterfinal duel against Egypt’s Pyramids FC.

Speaking with The Guardian on Friday after the quarterfinal pairings, Anyasi noted that Enyimba FC would be deploying every tactic possible to outshine their opponent in the home and away fixtures, adding that the Aba-based club would be more organised and committed to getting a good result against the Egyptian club.

He, however, said that there was no plan to sack Coach Fatai Osho as reported by the media recently, saying that the club had not at any time faced any internal wrangling that would warrant the termination of Osho’s contract.

“The game against Pyramids of Egypt would be a tough game. As soon as the pairings were released, Enyimba management began planning ahead of the game. We respect our opponents because they are an experienced side and ambitious Northern club hungry for success. The only way Enyimba can survive is for the players to win with high goal margin in the first leg of the encounter either at home or away.
“This would make it difficult for the Pyramids in the second leg to claim victory. Thank God Egypt is not strict on COVID- 19 pandemic protocols, as their airport is open. So, flying straight into Egypt without going through another country would not come up. Getting into Egypt early to prepare well for the game will not be difficult like the challenges we faced at the group stage of the CAF Confederations Cup “he said.

He added that, “The CAF Confederation Cup is now in the knock out stage. Enyimba FC coaches and players are aware of this and I believe the team would prepare well to earn a good result in the quarterfinal. The club’s management would give the team the full support needed in the game.

“On sacking the club’s coach, I don’t know where such information came from. It is just a social media misinformation. Assuming Enyimba lost the game against Orlando Pirates, Osho would still remain the club’s coach. His contract is still intact and I am the chairman of the club. If there is any issue between the club management and the coach, it is not a social media issue. Enyimba FC is a big club in Africa and we can’t be facing challenges. Everything is going on well.”

The first leg of the quarterfinals is scheduled for May 16, while the return leg will hold on May 23.