By Daniel Edu
Reigning champions of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL), Enyimba, faced disappointment in their campaign in the inaugural Africa Football League. The club was pitted against Morocco’s Wydad Athletic Club in a quarter-final double-header clash, and Wydad emerged victorious in both legs.
In the first leg held in Akwa Ibom state, Enyimba lost 1-0 to their Moroccan opponents, much to the disappointment of their fans. The return leg was expected to be a chance for Enyimba to turn the tide, but it ended in a more disheartening fashion.
Wydad dominated the match, securing a 3-0 victory, with Ayoub El Amloud scoring in the fourth minute, Jamal Harkass in the 38th minute, and Yahia Attiyah Allah in the 43rd minute.
Enyimba’s goalkeeper, Ojo Olorunleke, made some remarkable saves, preventing further goals. The Moroccan side won the quarter-final with an aggregate score of 4-0.
As a result of their participation in the Africa Football League, Enyimba has earned at least $900,000 in allowances from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Their NPFL match against Remo Stars, originally scheduled for the following weekend, has been postponed indefinitely.
