Posted by By Tony Ubani on
GOALKEEPER Dele Ayenugba remained a tower of strength to Enyimba when Raja Casablanca turned the heat on the Nigerians in their CAF Champions League cracker. He saved goal-bound chances when many faint-hearted had carried their hands on their heads thinking the Moroccans would score.
GOALKEEPER Dele Ayenugba remained a tower of strength to Enyimba when Raja Casablanca turned the heat on the Nigerians in their CAF Champions League cracker. He saved goal-bound chances when many faint-hearted had carried their hands on their heads thinking the Moroccans would score.
On many occasions that the fast-attacking Moroccans did their thing, Ayenugba was there to deny them the goal. When the match ended 2-0 in favour of the Aba Elephants, many fans had to lift the big goalkeeper to celebrate him as their hero. Dele, shy like a bride could not but give thanks to God for his favour.
But he did warn that it would not be in his time as Enyimba captain that the CAF Champions trophy would not be won. "I thank God for his mercies and I thank the players too for playing so well. The Moroccans wanted to spoil our fun by attacking ceaselessly but I had to stretch many times. I remain grateful to God", he said.
Asked what the magic was, Ayenugba said that he had sworn to lead the team to another Champions League glory. "I was in the team when we won the other times. But this time, I am the captain and I don't want to be the captain that will not deliver the cup", he said.
He noted that the team was back for reckoning with their two goals promising that they would work harder to see that they make it to the semi finals. "Our main concern now is to see that we qualify. And I know that we will pick the second spot in our group.
And once we are there, there is no stopping us", the goalkeeper known for his knack in stopping penalties said. Club Chairman, Felix Anyansi-Agwu also noted that the team would pick the ticket.
"We're going through pressure with these boys and they have shown that they can handle pressure. We are going to make it. Nothing comes easy", Anyansi-Agwu who capped his 40th birthday with the sweet victory said.