‘Enyimba players bogged down by unpaid emoluments’

THERE are fears that Enyimba players may not be in the right frame of mind to confront Raja Casablanca in the reverse fixture of their CAF Confederation Cup semifinal next week due to the financial burden created by the club’s failure to pay their outstanding emoluments. Enyimba lost the first leg of the tie 0-1 in Aba and must beat the Moroccans in Rabat to qualify for the final. And the players believe they can achieve the feat ‘because we have seen what Raja has to offer.’

However, they lament the effect the unpaid bonuses and other dues are having on their preparation for the match, saying it has become a ‘serious burden ion their psyche.’

The players want Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu to settle their outstanding bonuses before they hit Rabat, Morocco for the crucial semifinal return leg clash.

One of the players, who pleaded anonymity, challenged the Abia State governor to settle all their arrears and leave the Morocco return leg for them. “They may think we are out of the competition, but I can assure you that we have the calibre of players to turn the tide in Morocco. This is not the first time we have been written off only for us to bounce back to shock the entire nation. After all, nobody gave this team a chance from the beginning,” he said.

For reaching the semifinals of this year’s CAF Confederation Cup, Enyimba are guaranteed a windfall from CAF. But the earnings would increase if the team qualified for the final.

The source blamed Enyimba’s AITEO Cup loss to Kano Pillars on poor motivation, saying the players have been working under a harsh condition.

“Aside the little time we had in-between matches, we felt neglected by the state government during these period.

“Make no mistake about it, the government has tried in transforming the stadium, but we believe winning the Confederation Cup would bring a lot of honour tom the state, apart from the financial reward.

“We are ready to die in Morocco to win this competition, but we need the support to do that. The CAF Confederation Cup is the only trophy yet to be seen in Enyimba’s cabinet. The club therefore needs the trophy badly and should they get it, the victory will rub off on the governor.”