By Amaechi Agbo

Captain of Nigeria’s CAF Confederation Cup campaigners, Enyimba, Captain Austin Oladapo has disclosed that the team are in South Africa to win against their host, Orlando Pirates

The two-time CAF Champions League winners are playing their second match of the group stage against the South Africans on Wednesday.

Enyimba FC and Orlando Pirates will rekindle the great football rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa when both sides clash on match day two of the CAF Confederation Cup in Group A.

The tie which is billed for Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 5pm (Nigerian time) will see the Elephants march onto the 37,000 capacity Orlando Stadium in Soweto.

Despite Enyimba FC’s recent visits to South Africa being cagey, Oladapo who said that their match against Ahly Benghazi was a moral booster for them, believes they can turn the table

“The game against Ahly Benghazi was a good game for us and a morale booster, the game has built our confidence and we will love to continue our winning run.

“The game is a big battle because whosoever wins goes top of the group, Pirates are a good side but we are here (South Africa) for a win,” he said

Head-To-Head

This is the third time Enyimba FC will be facing Orlando Pirates in a CAF club competition. In 2006 both teams met for the first time in the CAF Champions League group stage, the Buccanears won 1-0 in South Africa and then held the People’s Elephant to a goalless draw in Nigeria in the reverse fixture.

2005: Enyimba FC held Ajax Capetown to a 1-1 draw in Cape Town (group stage CAFCL).

2006: Enyimba FC were beaten by Orlando Pirates 1-0 in Soweto (group stage CAFCL).

2016: Enyimba FC lost to Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in Pretoria (group stage CAFCL)

2018: Enyimba FC forced Bidvest Wits to a 1-1 draw in Johannesburg (Play-off round CAFCC)

2019: Enyimba triumphed over TS Galaxy 2-1 in Kameelriver (Play-off round CAFCC)

Tosin Omoyele returns

Enyimba will have their striker Tosin Omoyele back in the fold as there are no major/fresh concerns for Coach Fatai Osho.

Tosin Omoyele returns after serving his suspension. However, Sadiq Abubakar who missed the opening group game against Ahly Benghazi will face a late fitness test ahead of the match.

It Is a Tough Task – Fatai

“Orlando Pirates play good football and move the ball quickly too, they can play their way out in difficult situations, their speed of play is in abundance as well; it is going to be a tough task but we are very prepared for this.” – Coach Fatai Osho

Enyimba FC started their campaign on a bright note with a 2-1 home win over Ahly Benghazi, while Orlando Pirates played out a goalless draw at ES Setif away from home; a win for the Elephants will see them extend their lead at the top of Group A.