Coach Kadiri Ikhana has warned Enyimba to be ready for the worst kind of treatment in the group stage of the CAF Champions League.
The two-time champions in 2003 and 2004 sealed their place in the group stages after defeating Etoile du Sahel 4-3 on penalties in Sousse on Wednesday night.. The draw ceremony holds May 24 at the Cairo headquarters of CAF in Egypt. Enyimba will be joined by seven other qualifiers in the draw, comprising Al Ahly of Egypt, Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca, Entente Setif of Algeria and Zamalek of Egypt.
Ivorien side ASEC Mimosa, AS Vita of Congo Democratic Republic and Zesco United complete the draw Ikhana, who coached Enyimba to win the trophy in 2003 said it was an important for the Aba side to know they will be up against the wall in their bid to win the trophy after their last triumph in 2004.
“Enyimba’s qualification to the group stage of the CAF Champions League at the expense of the Tunisian side, Etoile du Sahel is a huge achievement and we must say big congratulations to the side.
“Enyimba have succeeded in putting Nigeria’s name on the world map of top football playing nations. For some years now, no Nigerian club was able to qualify for the group stage of the Caf Champions League.
“Enyimba went to the lion’s den to the pull the qualification ticket from the mouth of Etoile du Sahel, it’s not a mean feat but a huge achievement for the entire country.
“But they must know that the journey would now be tougher and tortuous from now on and should therefore expect the worst kind of treatment when they are on the road to play. I believe they are wiser with the harrowing experience in Sousse in the hands of Etoile du Sahel and that should be a guide to them in prepare for the group stage hostilities,” he added.