CAF Confederations Cup: Relief For  Enyimba As Sports Ministry, NFF Intervenes

By Olayinka Elebute

Two-time African champions were facing the prospect of missing their game against Al-Ahly Benghazi due to travel restrictions, but they have now received help from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The NFF, Federal Ministry of Sports and Abia state Governor Okezie Ikpeazu have come to the aid of Enyimba ahead of their CAF Confederations Cup clash against Al-Ahly Benghazi at the Benina Martyrs Stadium now Hugo Chávez Football Stadium today.

There have been earlier reports that Enyimba had been facing travelling issues ahead of the game and were in danger of a walkover loss as they could not get a direct flight from Nigeria to Libya due to travel restrictions.

The only connecting flight to Libya is in Europe (Spain), and that would’ve resulted in the team missing the game on Wednesday.

However, the team is now set to travel to Libya via chartered flight after the NFF, Federal Ministry of Sports and Abia State Government intervened.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu provided the chartered flight, and Fatai Osho men were expected to leave for Libya yesterday ahead of Group A matchday five encounter.

However, the match could be shifted to Thursday to allow Enyimba to get familiar with the stadium surroundings.

Enyimba currently sit second in the group with six points from four games, but they are only two ahead of their host.

But the People’s Elephants could seal qualification with a win tomorrow if Es Setif fail to beat Orlando Pirates in the other group game.