A South African-based Nigerian agent has given insight into the clash between Orlando Pirates and Enyimba.
The Buccaneers will face the Nigerian giants in their CAF Confederation Cup match on Wednesday in Orlando.
According to the prominent agent, the Nigerians could struggle if Bucs play to their strengths of keeping the ball on the ground and move it quickly to confuse the opponents.
“Games between Pirates and Enyimba, if you go back to history, they have always been top and entertaining. In their first game in the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup, Enyimba won while Pirates drew theirs. Definitely, Pirates will want to go for a win at home while Enyimba will also want to get a result out of the game,” said Lawal.
“Having said that, the game is going to be tough because Enyimba always assemble a formidable team and they always have good and quality players from Nigeria. They also want to do well in the African competitions. I think it’s not going to be easy for both teams. Pirates play brilliant football and the confidence in the team is very high. It’s going to be a very tight game, but I expect Pirates to have an edge if they can go with their style.
“The difference between Nigerian football and South African football in the case of Enyimba and Pirates is that (Bucs) can keep the ball and their players are quick and that is their normal game. Nigerian players get affected when they play against quick and smaller players. Pirates have got a lot of nippy and very good players who can move the ball around quickly. Enyimba is very good in organising and is very strong and the team has players that can haunt Pirates. It’s going to be a tough game for both teams,” Lawal added.
Pirates and Enyimba will meet for the third time in the continental competition. Bucs won the CAF Champions League group stage match at home in 2006, while the away match in Nigeria ended into a goalless draw.