Enyimba settles down in Kigali set for Nyamirambo clash

After settling down comfortably on arrival in Kigali, Confederation cup campaigners Enyimba early Saturday held a press conference ahead of the first leg quarter final clash against Rayon sports on Sunday. 

The Aba side sounding very confident said they are ready for the match expected to attract fans in full to the 22,000 capacity Nyamirambo Stadium.

"After landing and settling in Kigali, today's pre-match meeting and press conference have been concluded. All eyes now firmly focused on the action tomorrow. #TOTALCAFCC" the team confirmed on social media Saturday.

Meanwhile Rayon sports defender ABDUL Rwatubyaye may have indirectly warned Enyimba not to expect a tea party when action takes the centre stage on Sunday. The 23 year old has reportedly told his teammates to hold their nerves and step up performance against visiting Peoples Elephant.

Describing Enyimba as one of the best clubs in the continent, Rwatubyaye said it would be a mistake to treat the team with kid gloves, adding that Rayon must adopt a fight to the finish approach.

“We have to fight and make the most of home advantage, “he was quoted telling his teammates by The New Times of Rwanda Rayon sports by all standard cannot be said to be a soft nut to crack and playing in front of their vociferous supporters will pose a huge challenge for Enyimba who are hoping to get at worst a draw in the game before the return leg September 23.

The 8- time Rwanda National Football League Champions have 9 Rwandan Cup in the kitty, a Rwandan Super cup and a CECAFA clubs cup to their credit among other laurels, an indication that they can on a good day give any opponent a run for their strength and skill.

FA cup: Gov Udom doles out N70m for Akwa Utd

These are happy times for premier league side Akwa United as the state governor has made good his promise of naira rain on the team for winning last year FA cup.  

Governor Udom Emmanuel Wednesday put smiles on the faces of team with a Cheque of N70million.  

The club apparently impressed by the feat at a time when some clubs are singing lamentation songs over unpaid wages and fees took to their twitter handle @AkwaUnited_fc to announce the windfall while thanking the Governor for keeping to his promise.

His Excellency @MrUdomEmmanuel has reward us @Akwaunitedfc for winning the 2017 Aiteo Cup competition with a cash sum of 70Million Naira.  Thank you Governor Udom Emmanuel

Recall that Akwa united claimed the title decided at the Agege Township Stadium otherwise called the temple after defeating equally hard fighting and ambitious Niger Tornadoes 3-2 on penalty.

 Last year's victory marked the second time the Uyo based side will be clinching the title after winning it in 2015 after a 2-1 defeat of Lobi stars.  

The Agege Stadium encounter which drew creme dela creme to the temple ended goalless at regulation time and headed straight into penalty. 

The team had earlier pocketed N25 million for their effort while runners up Tornadoes got N10million.

Akwa United it will equally be recalled put up spirited effort in the Confederation Cup but failed to go beyond the group stage.

Mikel in full action as Guangzou downs Tiajin Teda 2-0

Succor is yet to come the way of Chinese Super League side Tiajin Teda as the John Obi Mikel captained side went down 2-0 away to Guangzou R&F at the Yuexiushan Stadium on Saturday.  

The Super Eagles captain and his Tiajin Teda teammates found their hosts a hard nut to crack conceding the first goal in the 27th minute and the second in the 76th minute.

The club has not been able to sing victory song in the last four matches, with the last win dating back to 10th August against Henan Jianye at home.

 The four last matches have ended in two draws and two defeats including a 5-2 demolition by Beijing Guoan.

Ghanaian import Frank Acheampong was in aciton for 73 minutes but found the Guangzou R&F defence difficult to rattle .

Tiajin Teda will have to wait till 14th September to see if they will earn three points from visiting Shanghai SIPG.

Mikel who will be missing Super Eagles Afcon 2019 qualifier against Seychelles next Saturday in Victoria after pulling out of the tie, has nonetheless expressed optimism that the Eagles will achieve a good result. 

While Mikel will be missing in action in Victoria, China based Odion Ighalo will be action against the Pirates. 

Ighalo was on target August 26th as Changchun Yatai avoided home defeat holding Hebei CFFC to a 2-2 draw. 

Super Eagles Coach Gernot Rohr believes Victoria tie will afford Ighalo ample opportunity to rediscover his scoring skills for the team.