Ahly beatable says Enyimba boss

Enyimba chairman Felix Anyansi-Agwu is confident his club are capable of beating five-time African champions Al Ahly at home on their way to claiming their third CAF Champions League crown.

Enyimba host the Egyptian champions Sunday in Aba, southeast Nigeria, in the first leg semi-final of this year's CAF Champions League.

“Ahly are a good team but they are beatable and we'll prove it by beating them,” forecast Anyansi-Agwu, who led the Nigerian club to win the competition in 2003 and 2004.

He added: “They are not from heaven. They are a football team just like any other and my boys will not be intimidated by their names or presence.

“We have a lot of respect for them as one of the best teams in Africa, but Enyimba are no pushovers,” said Anyansi-Agwu.

“They know this will be a game of their lives and they are taking it very seriously. They know Aba is one of the most difficult venues for any club in the Champions League.

“Nigerian football has come of age on the continent and we'll prove that on Sunday. It will be 11 against 11 and my players are fully prepared for the game.”

Anyansi-Agwu earlier in the campaign predicted a final clash between his club and Ahly only for Enyimba to fail to top Group B after a 3-0 loss to Coton Sport in Cameroon on the final day of the group phase.

“Yes, a lot of people had expected the two teams to meet in the finals. I mean, a game between Enyimba and Al Ahly in the final of the Champions League would have been the biggest game in the history of African club football. The whole world would have been thrilled by the quality of the two teams,” he said.

“But now that will not happen. Only one of us will be in the final. It is not the way we wanted it but that is how it is.

“It is not like we're avoiding them or scared. We are afraid of no one and have what it takes to beat any team. We are not champions twice for nothing. Our goal-scoring form is the most outstanding this season and we'll continue on that level.”

He added: “However, meeting now will bring out the best of the two teams, particularly Enyimba. We have a good record against North African clubs and our best will be seen on Sunday. The very fact that it is Ahly who they are up against will give them a psychological boost to prove critics wrong.”

Enyimba are sweating on the fitness of defender Ugah Opara, who suffered a foot injury in training ahead of Sunday's game.

“It's a little knock but we hope he will be okay on match day,” an official said.