Ikhana Calls Huge Enyimba CCL Feat

Former Enyimba coach, Kadiri Ikhana has described as huge achievement the side qualification to the lucrative group stage of Caf Champions League.

The Nigerian champions edged the Tunisian giants, Etoile Sportive du Sahel 7-6 on penalties after both legs of the encounter ended three goals apiece for the sides in Port Harcourt, Nigeria and Sousse, Tunisia respectively.

Ikhana said the two-time African champions have by that singular heroic act put the nation’s name on the front banner of top clubs in the continent.

“Enyimba’s qualification to the group stage of the Caf Champions League at the expense of the Tunisian side, Etoile du Sahel is a huge achievement and we must say big congratulations to the side.

“Enyimba have succeeded in putting Nigeria’s name on the world map of top football playing nations.

“For some time now no Nigerian club has been able to qualify for the group stage of the Caf Champions League.

“Enyimba went to the lion’s den to the pull qualification ticket from the mouth of Etoile du Sahel, it’s not a mean feat but a huge achievement for the entire country.

“I believe that Enyimba are wiser with the harrowing experience in Sousse, Tunisia in the hands of Etoile du Sahel to know how to prepare for the group stage hostilities.

“Enyimba are good side and have what it takes to rewrite the sterling performances in Africa achieved in 2003 and 2004 but they must work quite hard to realise the lofty dream,” said the head coach of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) to supersport.com.

The former Nigerian right back guided the People’s Elephant to win the Caf Champions League title in 2003.

Enyimba’s progression to the group stage of Africa’s first tier club competition has ended the almost four-year search for a berth in the group phase by any domestic club side.