By Austin Tyowua
The Executive vice-chairman of Lobi Stars FC, Mr. Mike Idoko Okpe has commended the superlative performance of Enyimba FC, Nigeria’s second representative in the CAF Champions League for achieving a 1-0 away win over Rahimo FC of Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou.
The astute football administrator while speaking on Brilla FM live radio show this morning congratulated Enyimba and called for more support for Plateau United, Rivers United, and Kano Pillars who lost their games over the weekend.
While NPFL title holders Plateau United suffered a 0-1 defeat to Simba SC of Tanzania at home, Futuro Kings of Equatorial Guinea pipped Rivers United 2-1 in Mogonomo just as Kano Pillars were drubbed 3-1 by Jaraaf FC in Dakar, Senegal in the Confederation Cup.
Idoko, therefore, called on the Plateau State Government to redouble their effort both financially and psychologically to boost the morale of the coach Maikaba tutored wards to get a favorable result against Simba FC in the return leg this weekend.
The former boss of Sunshine Stars FC who spoke with confidence maintained that, if the Tanzanians can pull a win in Nigeria, Plateau United can achieve even a better win in Tanzania.
He, however, stressed that achieving such a result would be possible only if the ‘Rock City’ boys are given all the necessary support.
Idoko also called on all Nigerians to rally round the CAF inter-club representatives as he said they are representing Nigeria and not only their respective states.
The former BCC Lions speedster also warned that early elimination of the quartet in the continent will ultimately lead to relegation (lost of the slot) for Nigeria.
Idoko summed up by blaming the lackluster performance of the trio of Plateau United, Rivers United, and Kano Pillars on the failure of the government to reopen contact sports in time.
“The quartet of Enyimba, Plateau United, Kano Pillars, and Rivers United is representing Nigerian. They are no longer flying the flags of their respective states.
“While I commend Enyimba on their superlative performance against Rahimo FC, I want to encourage Plateau United, Rivers United, and Pillars. These clubs need our unflinching support.
“I am confident that if they are supported to overcome this initial setback, they will go far in their respective competitions,” he said.
