Warri Wolves have surprised many followers of Nigerian
football in their run so far in this year’s Confederation Cup. The Seasiders
have won five of their six matches on the continent, including two away
victories against Burkinable side RC Bobo Dioulasso and in the last round in Kinshasa against DR
Congo’s MK Etancheite. Plus a goalless draw in Ethiopia against FC Dedebit.
With that type of run coming against the backdrop of the
elimination of other Nigerian clubs including Enyimba, Kano Pillars and Dolphin
in the two CAF club competitions, the captain and head coach of Warri Wolves
have now attributed their successful run so far to the support and inspiration
given to them by the chairman of the Delta State Football Association, Jay Jay
Okocha.
The former BBC African Footballer of the year has been using
his experience to inspire the Warri City Stadium outfit to greater success on
the continent, and that has been reflected in the result posted by Paul
Aigbogun’s side.
“Jay Jay has been great to us. Since he became the Chairman
of the Delta State Football Association, he has not stopped helping us, the
players.
“He encourages us all the time, tells us to play for our
country and plan for life after football” captain of Wolves
Daniel Onamado told supersports
Similarly, the head coach of Warri Wolves, Paul Aigbogun
also added his voice to emphasize the support his team has received from the
Super Eagles legend.
“Okocha regularly takes time to speak to the boys and it has
really encouraged them a great deal.
“Hopefully, this will help us in becoming the first Nigerian
club to win the Caf Confederation Cup this season” he concluded.
Warri Wolves are in the play-off round of the Confederation
Cup for the first time, after being eliminated in earlier rounds of the
competition on two previous occasions.
With just two matches away from making the group stages for
the first time, standing on their way is Congo Brazzaville’s AS Leopards. The
first leg of the tie takes place away in Congo on the weekend of May 16,
while the return leg takes place two weeks later at the Warri City Stadium.
Photo Credit: sugarsport.me
