As Nigeria's only remaining club in continental competition, Enyimba, face their final hurdle to the CAF Champions League group phase in Etoile du Sahel, Completesportsnigeria.com's ADEBOYE AMOSU asks five pertinent questions…
CAN ENYIMBA CROSS SECOND ROUND HURDLE? Since they lost in the semi-finals against Moroccan side, Wydad Casablanca in 2011, Enyimba have failed to progress beyond the second round stage in the CAF Champions League. The Aba giants were eliminated by Malian side Real Bamako in 2013 and little known Egyptian club Smouha in 2015. They will hope for better luck this time around and avoid another disappointing exit from the competition.
CAN MFON UDOH EXTENDS SCORING RUN ? The record goal scorer in the Nigeria Professional Football League seems to be back to his best after struggling all through last season due to injury and loss of form. Udoh has scored four times in four appearances for Enyimba in the CAF Champions League this season. He will be the man they will look up to for goals against the dreaded Tunisian side.
WILL AHMED AKAICHI HAUNT NIGERIA AGAIN ? The big forward is the man Etoile du Sahel fans will be banking on to deliver the goods for them against Enyimba in this crucial first leg tie. Enyimba fans will remember him not just for his goal against the home-based Super Eagles at the African Nations Championship, but his impressive performance in the competition. Enyimba defenders no doubt have to be at their best to stop the deadly hitman. The striker will be all out to inflict pains on Enyimba and remain in the mind of the fans in Nigeria.
Read Also: Onyedikachi: FC Ifeanyiubah Not Talking Yet About Winning Title CAN ENYIMBA MAINTAIN IMPRESSIVE HOME FORM? Though they have struggled on their travels in the competition this year, Enyimba have however won their two home games. They beat Vipers Sports Club of Uganda 2-0 in the first round and trounced Burundian side, Vital'O, 5-1 in the second round. Picking another wide margin win will be vital to their quest of reaching the lucrative group stage. The key question is can they secure a big win against the side they defeated to win the title in 2004?
CAN ETOILE AVENGE THEIR LOSS TO ENYIMBA IN 2004 FINAL ? Enyimba denied Etoile du Sahel the chance to win the CAF Champions League in 2004, edging out the Sousse-based side 5-3 on penalties in the final after both legs ended in a 3-3 draw. The Tunisians will be desperate to avenge that loss this time around which will make the encounter a more interesting affair. Credit : complete sports