Enyimba head coach Stanley Eguma has urged his team to channel all their energy into the Nigeria Professional Football League after crashing out in the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup earlier this week, Soccernet.football reports.
A 3-1 defeat to Egypt Premier League side Zamalek at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday sealed the fate of the People’s Elephants, who must now focus attention on turning their fortunes in the domestic league around.
Enyimba haven’t been at it in the NPFL so far this season. Eguma’s charges have only managed one win in their last eight league outings. However, they have managed to stay unbeaten in that time, recording seven draws to place 7th on the table although they have two games in hand.
The Aba Warriors will face 9th-placed Kano Pillars in a rescheduled NPFL crunch clash at the Sanni Abacha Stadium on Thursday. With Enyimba in desperate need of points to climb up the table, their trip down north could prove to be a tricky one.
Eguma’s side have never won away at Kano Pillars in the NPFL and will have to be on top of their game if they are to change that trend. Ahead of the Zobia derby, the veteran coach expressed his confidence in his players, stating that they are determined to avoid returning from Kano empty-handed.
“Enyimba against Kano Pillars any day, is a big game,” Eguma said as quoted by the club’s official website.
“We are coming back to the NPFL after our dismal performance in the CAF Confederation Cup. I think the boys have now shifted their focus to the NPFL.
“We are ready for the encounter, and I believe we have to give our all in the game to ensure we pick points and improve our fortunes in the league.”