Exclusive: Enyimba Boss Yema Speaks Tough Ahead of Continental Engagements

Enyimba football club of Aba begins their continental campaigns later in November with their first game against Egyptian side Massar FC.

How surreal this may feel for the club to participate in the cash whooping competition, the pressure to keep Nigeria's flag high remains a major concern. The People's Elephants of Aba are the only club representing Nigeria in either of CAF interclub competitions.

Speakig with SportsBoom.com via a phone conversation, Coach Yemi Olanrewaju who assumed the position after former Super Eagles' striker Finidi George left the job for the National team said the huge amount of pressure on Enyimba is a normal thing.

During the interview, Coach Yema as fondly called and captain Somairi Alaibo as fondly delved into issues surrounding the club, the players involvement, character and continental assurance.

Leading the Charge

As Enyimba Football Club prepares for their continental campaign, Coach Yemi Olanrewaju acknowledges the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.

"Last season, when he was at the AFCON and even left for the Super Eagles, I led the team to the Continental, with the help of God. And this season so far, we are the remaining club in the Continental. For me, it comes with a lot of challenges, and it is also fun. This is preparing me for something bigger.”

So far, Enyimba has been one of the most consistent Nigerian clubs on the continent. Last season, they were knocked out by Libyan side Ahly Benghazi in the first preliminary round.

Enyimba FC

Managing Pressure

Olanrewaju recognizes the pressure to succeed, stating, "We are under pressure to succeed this season, honestly."

Coach Yema as fondly called has been in the club's setup for three seasons which makes him conversant of any pressure facing the team.

"Coaching Enyimba comes with a lot of pressure," he admits. "If you want to work at the top, you must be ready to work under pressure and be multitasking." With Enyimba being Nigeria's sole representative in CAF interclub competitions, the stakes are high.

However, he shields his players from this pressure, shouldering the responsibility himself.

“But most times, I don't let the pressure get to the players, I want to carry all the pressure, bear it and let it be on me because when it gets to them, anxiety comes in and it becomes a pressure. So most times, I tried to shield the boys away from the pressure and direct it all to me, and I shoulder it for the team.

Despite this, Olanrewaju remained focused on driving his team forward.

Olanrewaju Seeks to Bolster his Attack

Enyimba's recent string of draws has given Olanrewaju "sleepless nights."

Enyimba have recorded draws in their last three games in the Nigerian Premier Football League. He identifies scoring goals as a key area for improvement as the club have scored just two goals in their last three games.

Meanwhile, Enyimba have scored a total of 14 goals in 12 games which means a ratio of 1.1XG per game. "We really need to score goals... We will continue to work hard towards that,” he assured

North African Challenge

Enyimba faces Egyptian side Massar FC in November. Olanrewaju acknowledges the difficulty of competing against North African teams, citing their resources and infrastructure.

“Yeah, facing this North African team is not easy. They have everything, I think they dominate African football. They have the resources, infrastructure, environment, everything and are ahead of the West African clubs.”

However, he emphasises Enyimba's determination to compete. "Our focus is on the pitch, how we can give our best."

Players' Characters are Pumped

Speaking with the captain of the club, Somairi Alaibo buttressed that the players' characters are in good shape ahead of the crucial opening group stage game. “We want to start on a high note,” Somairi assured.
He further added that the team is anticipating a positive result. “We believe in God and ourselves; no team anticipates failure and hope for the best result. Drawing four consecutive games in the league weakens the players regardless, it can be depriving at times but we will get back to our best shape.

The players' character ahead of the CAF Confederations cup is high, so much hard work has been invested, and we can't wait to break the jinx in Egypt, he concluded.  A Word on Edo Queens inspiring journey in the CAF champions League

Coach Yema then praised Edo Queens' remarkable performance in the CAF Women's Champions League. "They've done very well... Defeating Mamelodi Sundowns is unbelievable." While drawing comparisons between men's and women's football, he commends Edo Queens' resilience and dedication