Enyimba Head Coach, Yemi Olanrewaju, has likened Sunday’s NPFL Matchday 11 fixture against leaders Remo Stars at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, to a local derby, Completesports.com reports.
Remo Stars currently lead the standings with 21 points, while Enyimba sit in third place with 18 points.
Olanrewaju acknowledges Remo Stars as a top team and is aware that Sunday’s encounter in Aba will not be a walk in the park. The young tactician has not forgotten how Remo Stars did a double over the People’s Elephant last season, but he admits that the return of some players from the Flying Eagles camp, along with the recovery of a few others, will provide a significant boost for his side in this crucial match.
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“Yes, we know the importance of playing Remo Stars. They are a tough side and a top club, too,” begins the two-time African champions’ gaffer.
“It’s like a derby; our games with them are always very tough, even though they have held an edge over us for the past season and a half.
“But this is our home game. We want to enjoy it and go for the maximum points. We know it’s going to be a really tough battle.
“We respect them as a top team, and they will respect us too. But on the pitch, we understand what is at stake for us as a club. So, we have to go for it.”
On the availability of key players involved in the national teams, Olanrewaju expressed hope that a few of them would be available for the big match against Remo Stars.
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“The players with the national team – hopefully, we’ll have them back for the weekend, even though we have one or two injuries among our key players.
“But we have to manage what we have, and our current squad is capable of getting the job done.
“So, we’re aiming to have a good game on Sunday and to make everyone happy – that’s our focus.”
Among the players Coach Olanrewaju hopes to feature against Remo Stars are U-20 Flying Eagles returnee Clinton Jephta and Innocent Gabriel, who re-enters the matchday squad after recovering from a strain he experienced in Yenagoa against Bayelsa United.
Captain Somiari Alalibo and Elijah Akani remain doubtful for the game due to unspecified injuries.
By Sab Osuji
