Former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu has promised Enyimba N1m if they defeat visiting Libyan side Al Ittihad in their CAF Confederation Cup game on Sunday.
Enyimba host the Libyan side at the Enyimba Stadium, Aba in the second leg of the playoff.
The first leg which to take place in Tunisia last week could not hold after CAF postponed the tie.
Writing on his Facebook, Kalu said he was going to “congratulate the players with one million naira if they win the match”.
“As Enyimba FC hosts Libyans in Aba tomorrow, I wish the coach, the commissioner of sports and all loving fans of Enyimba well. Coming out victorious in the match is very important to us. I will congratulate the players with one million naira if they win the match ,” the former governor wrote on Facebook.
On Sunday, 5th December, Enyimba FC defeated Al Ittihad SC at the Enyimba International Stadium.
Goals from Sadiq Abubakar and Victor Mbaoma helped George Finidi’s side increase their chances of reaching the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup with a 2-0 first leg playoff win.
According to a statement by his media office, Kalu has redeemed his promise to the People’s Elephant and has rewarded the team with the N1m promised. The Chairman of Enyimba FC, Chief Felix Anyansi Agwu acknowledged the donation.
He said, “Senator Kalu had promised to reward the team with N1m for a win, and following Sunday’s result, has duly fulfilled the pledge.
“We are very thankful to the former Governor for remembering Enyimba at this crucial stage. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu is a man whose love for football has never been in doubt, which is why he is a Pillar of Sports in Africa. His gift is a big boost to the players.
“This singular act has gone to underline the truth that football is an important tool for bringing people together and it is our sincere hope to continuously achieve results that will bring smiles to the faces of our people.”
Kalu who now represents Abia North in the Senate was instrumental to Enyimba dominance in the local league and in the continent.
While he was governor, Enyimba became the first club in Nigeria to win the CAF Champions League in 2003.
The People’s Elephant went ahead to defend their title, winning the continental trophy again in 2004.
Goals Detail
Enyimba, defeated Al-Ittihad of Libya 2-0 in the CAF Confederation Cup encounter .
The Peoples Elephant took the lead in the 21st minute after Sadiq Abubakar connected neatly to a cross from Yakubu Bilal.
A few minutes later, Victor Mbaoma, doubled the scoreline as the Nigerian team cruised to a two-goal lead heading into the second half, pushing George Finidi’s side a step closer to the group stage of the competition.
The second half of the encounter was a bit relaxed as the two-time African Champions League winners held on to the two-goal cushion.
Before Sunday’s tie, Enyimba were unbeaten in eight games just as the Libyan team was on impressive form, losing only one of their last ten matches.
The win in Aba was a sequel to the postponement of the first leg of the game following controversies over COVID-19 protocols. The Peoples Elephants were barred from entering Tunisia which was Al-Ittihad’s adopted home ground.
Enyimba and Al-Ittihad will now wait on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to know when the rescheduled match will be played.
