Enyimba’s Technical Adviser, Yemi Olanrewaju, has blamed “mental fatigue” caused by fixture congestion and travel challenges for his team’s 3-0 defeat to Mozambique’s Black Bulls in a CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC) matchday three encounter on Sunday at the 42,000-capacity Estadio do Zimpeto, Maputo, Completesports.com reports.
The People’s Elephant, winners of the CAF Champions League in 2003 and 2004, remain bottom of Group D with just one point from three matches. Enyimba opened their campaign with a 2-0 loss to Al Masry, followed by a 2-2 draw against Zamalek at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
An evidently concerned Olanrewaju, speaking after the match in Maputo, lamented that his players were struggling with the effects of fixture congestion.
“If you ask me, I would say it was a good game by my team today, even though we lost 3-0,” Olanrewaju said, visibly disappointed.
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“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 goals we conceded were unnecessary. The first two goals came from corner kicks, and after the second, it became difficult to fight back. We arrived here only yesterday (Saturday) evening after a hectic schedule.
“We had a league game on Wednesday in Nigeria, travelled 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.”
Enyimba currently sit at the base of the Group D standings with a steep challenge ahead to qualify for the knockout stages. Olanrewaju admitted that while their fate is no longer entirely in their hands, the team will push to win their remaining two home games and fight for a result in their final group match against Zamalek.
“We’ve played five games in the past two weeks. It’s not healthy for the players, given the distances we’re covering,” he said. “We’re a well-trained side, but the results haven’t matched our efforts.
“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.”
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Reflecting on Enyimba’s lack of cutting edge in front of goal, Olanrewaju noted that signing additional strikers during the winter transfer window would be a priority.
“Our problem this season has been scoring goals,” he explained. “Even today, we could have scored three or four, but it didn’t happen. Hopefully, we’ll bring in one or two strikers in January to strengthen the team.
“We still have a chance. If we win our next two home games, we’ll be on seven points, and anything can happen in the final match against Zamalek.”
Despite the daunting challenge ahead of Enyimba, Olanrewaju remains optimistic: “If you climb and fall, you must rise again. We’ll keep fighting and hoping for the best.”
By Sab Osuji
