Coach Yemi Olanrewaju: 'We Lost Focus, But Enyimba Will Rise Again'

Enyimba International FC’s crushing 3-0 defeat to Mozambique’s Black Bull Maputo in the CAF Confederations Cup competition has ignited debates about the team’s tactical approach, player fatigue, and Coach Yemi Olanrewaju’s long-term strategy.

In an exclusive interview with SportsBoom.com, the embattled coach opened up about the game’s challenges, the team’s underwhelming season, and his blueprint for restoring Enyimba’s continental dominance.

"We Lost Focus": Coach Reflects on Black Bull Defeat 

Despite the heavy loss, Coach Olanrewaju remained adamant that the performance did not reflect the final scoreline. "If you ask me, I would say it was a good game by my team today, even though we lost 3-0," he began.

"The scoreline did not reflect the true flow of the game. We were in control for a greater part of the match, but I think we lost concentration because of fatigue."

The coach highlighted defensive lapses as the turning point in the game. "The goals we conceded were unnecessary. The first two goals came from corner kicks, and after the second, it became difficult to fight back. Fatigue played a role, and the team just couldn’t find the mental strength to recover."

Tactical Missteps and Missed Opportunities  

When asked whether Black Bull Maputo’s strategy exposed Enyimba’s vulnerabilities, Olanrewaju acknowledged areas of underperformance.

"We underperformed in the last third, and that was our undoing," he admitted. "Our problem this season has been scoring goals. Even today, we could have scored 3 or 4 goals, but it didn’t happen."

Olanrewaju also revealed the team’s lack of preparation contributed to their struggles. "We had no much information about them, and it was quite difficult preparing for the game, but that’s not an excuse. Hopefully, we’ll bring in one or two strikers in January to strengthen the team," he added.

"The Players Are Overwhelmed": Addressing Fatigue and Fixture Congestion 

The coach pointed to an overwhelming schedule as a key factor in the team’s poor performance. "We arrived here only yesterday (Saturday) evening after a hectic schedule," he explained. "We had a league game on Wednesday in Nigeria, traveled to Lagos on Thursday, and left for Mozambique on Friday. It’s been overwhelming for the players, and the result is evident in our performance."

Olanrewaju didn’t hold back on the impact of fixture congestion. "We’ve played five games in the past two weeks. It’s not healthy for the players, given the distance we’re covering.

"For the next CAFCC game, we’ll have played five more league games. It’s clumsy and crazy, but hopefully, the authorities in Nigeria will step in to help manage our fixtures."

A Message to Players and Fans

Despite the setback, Olanrewaju maintained a hopeful tone, urging players and fans to stay resilient. "My message to the players is to keep their heads up and continue working hard. Football is full of challenges, but it’s how you respond that defines you," he said.

To the fans, he offered words of encouragement: "We know this loss is disappointing, but we are working tirelessly to restore Enyimba’s pride. Your support means everything to us, and we will not stop fighting."

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Olanrewaju expressed determination to turn Enyimba’s season around, both domestically and continentally. "This loss is a wake-up call, and we’ve learned valuable lessons. We’re focusing on improving our attack and building the team’s stamina to withstand these demanding schedules. The January transfer window will be crucial for us."

While redemption in this CAF campaign seems unlikely, Olanrewaju is confident in Enyimba’s long-term prospects. "We’ve faced setbacks before and bounced back stronger. Enyimba’s story is one of resilience, and I believe we’ll write another great chapter soon," he concluded.

Conclusion

Though the road ahead is steep, Coach Yemi Olanrewaju’s resolve to rebuild Enyimba remains firm.

As the team grapples with tactical challenges and grueling schedules, fans can only hope his vision and determination will reignite their fortunes on the continental stage.