By Daily sports on December 14, 2020

Readers, yes, we did not interact last week on this page due to an on the spur of the moment, official assignment that did not give me notice to duly inform you as usual. We know our rules here.

My very sincere apology goes to you all dear loyal numerous readers. The trip was for the collective good of all of us here. As I was away, much happened both locally and internationally, including comments for and against my last article on this hot page on Sunday Dare’s attempt to grip or become the technical adviser/ team Manager of the Super Eagles, leaving other equally pressing issues affecting sports. Needles to reply because the points I raised in the article were all solid and clear too. I also believe there is no point joining issues or trading words with the Dare boys.

Another thing that happened while l was away was the second legs of the CAF Champs League. Enyimba International FC turned their opponents back to pick tick in quick progression in the elitist continental club football summit. It is no longer news that the next fixture pitched the Nigerian representative against yet another oldie in the game with a team from Sudan.

The game has just started and vigilance no doubt must be the watch word for any team that wants to go far in very lucrative prime continental competition, where the language would be dollars as the tug of war progresses.

Teams will go back to the drawing board in order to get their priorities right because anything short of it would prove costly at the end of the day. True, Enyimba is an oldie in this terrain but with the dynamic nature of the game of football, things have gone computerised and technical men follow suit in their approach to the game.

However, Lukman Osho, an old and experienced coach, heading the technical crew of Aba war lords is assumed to know his onions in the ever revolving terrain and ought to know when the beat of the drum needs fresh dancing steps. He was a good player in his days and has handled a good number of teams and even had a stint with his present team.

He should know and also knows that Enyimba International FC, as one of the high profile teams in NPFL, needs proactive coach that responds promptly on spurs of the moment in order to arrest any situation before it gets out of hand.

CAF Champions League can boast of first rate coaches that think fast and place action decisively in order to save situations. Osho must not be less. The people and government of Abia State are equal to the task of ensuring great outing for their darling team that has remained till date, the most successful and only club in the country to lift the once upon a time illusive premier African club competition.

I believe the Felix Anyansi Agwu led Management board of the club is up against the challenge. A veteran football administrator, Anyansi adequately as usual replaced most of the first legs that left the team for greener pastures in rival teams, for optimal performance for the Aba Elephants in both the NPFL and the continental assignments.

Give it to Agwu, he has come out tops in that aspect and ensures the tide remains high in the team since he’s been there. To be honest with you, he has brought stability to Enyimba International FC, ensuring players’ welfare and sundry. One hopes that with time and more competitions, the team would also stablise to face squarely the tedious task called CAF Champs League. We are getting to the difficult stage where traditionally built teams are lining up against each other, which then bring to the fore, the maxim where only the fittest survives.

One prays that Enyimba International FC would be up and doing in the summit where only the best are on the show piece displaying mastery of the round leather sport. It is only right focus and recruitment, with the right support which the Abia State governments has put in that could ginger them for a five-star outing to confront gamely other strong African club counterparts in the championship without any let or hindrance, especially when the game enters critical and crunchy stages where you separate the boys from the men.

It is the hope of this writer that great home works have been carried out and other problems that would rear its heads as the competition progresses would be tackled promptly, as any seconds indecision may prove grievous for any team involved. CAF Champs League is not a learning ground. It is for the ready and the fittest. Nothing else is good and great enough for this all important and embracing continental champs. Enyimba are no strangers to this uphill task ahead.

Let’s sound it clear that with the right frame of mind by the technical crew, they would be able to think out most suitable tight technical and tactical approach, planning and formation as their opponents come. As an experienced hand in sports writing or reporting and having covered crucial games, especially on away grounds, teams must be armed to the teeth with all that would boost the total and unshaken confidence of their players as fans of some countries specialise on how to intimidate visiting sides in order to give their home idols undue advantage over the visiting side.

Enyimba are quite aware and so must brace up adequately as there won’t be any room to entertain avoidable excuses. This columnist wishes the sides’ stronger outings because Nigerian fans have been longing to drink once again from the most prestigious African Club Championship trophy. The fans are also earnestly looking forward to all Nigerian clubs finals.

We will keep close and wish the teams’ good outings in their first legs later this month as not only Christmas presents but also to make the second legs in January mere formality.

Our social media handles are active 247. Join us to discuss way forward for sports in Nigeria. It’s been interesting and friendly chats. Keep shooting hard till next week. The struggle continues!!

Source Daily sports

Posted December 14, 2020

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