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Enyimba are on course to make the CAFCC group stages after getting a share of the spoils in Mali, but their young manager says there is nothing to celebrate yet.
Nigeria's most successful football club, Enyimba, took a step towards qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC) group stages with a resilient performance in Mali.
However, their 32-year-old manager, Yemi Olanrewaju, is keeping expectations in check despite the encouraging result.
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13:50 - 09.09.2024
What Enyimba's youthful coach Yemi Olanrewaju said after cooking Super Eagles legend Amuneke
Enyimba's coach Yemi Olanrewaju reveals how he rallied his People's Elephant to overcome Amuneke's Heartland in the Southeast derby.
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The People's Elephant held their Malian hosts, Etoile Filante (meaning "Shooting Star"), to a goalless draw in the first leg of their CAFCC qualifier on Friday.
The stalemate in Bamako gives Enyimba a slight advantage heading into the return fixture in Uyo, Nigeria.
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Despite the positive outcome, Olanrewaju was quick to temper any premature celebrations. Taking to social media, the young coach stressed the importance of maintaining focus:
"The job is not yet done... More to play for..... nothing to celebrate or clap for now," he posted.
Olanrewaju's cautious approach comes despite Enyimba's impressive display, which won plaudits from fans who made the journey to Mali.
The Nigerian side demonstrated remarkable form, living up to their manager's earlier assertions about their readiness for the campaign.
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The result puts Enyimba who kicked off the new season in style in a favourable position for the second leg, but Olanrewaju's comments highlight the team's determination to finish the job at home.
With the away goals rule in effect, the Nigerian champions know that a win in the return leg would see them through to the group stages while a low-scoring draw ends their journey.
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As one of the youngest managers in African football, Olanrewaju's measured response to this result reflects a maturity beyond his years.
His leadership will be crucial as Enyimba aims to navigate the return leg and secure their place in the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup.
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The second leg is slated for September 22 in Uyo and fans across Nigeria will be eagerly anticipating Enyimba's chance to complete the task on home soil.
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