Paul Aigbogun, the Technical Adviser of Enyimba International Football Club of Aba, on Friday said he was wary about his side’s chances in Sunday’s clash with Katsina United.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the two sides will meet in Katsina in a Match Day 3 fixture of the 2017/2018 Nigeria Professional Football League.
Aigbogun told NAN that his team was very wary of their opponents, adding that it would be a difficult, but interesting game.
He said: “We have respect for Katsina United and are aware of how dangerous they can be, especially at home at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.
“The result of their opening game against Kano Pillars showed that they are a very attack-minded side as they took the game to the four-time NPFL champions at their home ground.
“So, it will be an interesting game because I know they will want to create an upset, but I know we will be ready for the game.”
NAN reports that Destiny Ashadi’s goal from 12 yards in stoppage time ensured Katsina United earned a 2-2 draw at home against Kano Pillars on Match Day 1.
Chinedu Ajanah had opened scoring for Katsina United, before Junior Lokosa and Alassan Ibrahim scored for visitors Kano Pillars.
Aigbogun said: “We have worked very hard in pre-season and now we will try to replicate everything we have worked on in the competitive matches.
“I believe our preparations will be enough to give us the victory away, but there will be no talk of underrating the hosts.”
In spite of not having some of his best players available, the coach said his team would put in its very best in the encounter to ensure they got a positive result away from home.
The People’s Elephant lost five of their key players, including two goalkeepers, to the African Nations Championship which started on Saturday in Morocco.
They are also faced with injuries to some key players.
Enyimba have Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Theophilus Afelokhai, Ikouwem Udoh, Austin Oladapo and Ibrahim Mustapha in the CHAN Eagles camp.
Dare Ojo, Mfon Udoh and Joseph Osadaiye are among those yet to fully recover from injuries.
Aigbogun said: “It is a difficult situation we are in, with five of our players in the CHAN team and with some of our other players yet to return from injuries.
“But we must put that aside if we are to do well in the league and other competitions we are taking part in this season.
“Even though the overall objective is to ensure that we do well at the end of the season, it is imperative for us to continue to send out an early statement of intent, in spite of the hiccups we are experiencing.
“So, I expect my players to give their best in order for us to get our first win or at the very least avoid defeat early in the season.
“Katsina United is a tough ground to visit in what will be our third game of the season, but I trust my players to get the job done irrespective of the challenges before them.”
Enyimba are currently in the 15th position on the 20-club NPFL table with two points from two games so far.
The Aba-based side played out a 1-1 draw against Lobi Stars in Makurdi in their opening game.
They also had a goalless draw against Heartland International of Owerri at the U.J. Esuene Stadium on Wednesday.
Katsina United, with just one point so far, are 17th on the log, having played out a 2-2 draw against Kano Pillars in their opening fixture.
They lost 1-2 to Sunshine Stars of Akure in their second game.
The 2017/2018 NPFL season which began on January 13 is expected to end on September 30.
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