‘A formidable team’- Arsenal legend reacts to Enyimba’s narrow loss to Al Ahly in CAF Champions League opener

Enyimba, the defending champions of the Nigeria Professional Football League, took on Al Ahly Benghazi of Libya on Sunday evening

Former Arsenal star, Kanu Nwankwo, has extended his support and optimism to Enyimba International after their closely contested 4-3 loss to Al Ahly Benghazi in the opening match of the CAF Champions League, Soccernet.ng reports.

Through Chijioke Mbaoma, the Nigerian champions took the lead in a tense match on a muggy evening of Sunday in Benghazi.

As the game unfolded, it seemed they were headed for a well-deserved 3-3 draw after 90 minutes. However, in the final moments, Hamadi Gadallah's dramatic header secured a victory for Lassaad Dridi's side.

Expressing his thoughts on the match, Nwankwo,who is currently the Enyimba FC Chairman, emphasized the positives that emerged from the game.

“Our boys gave their all on the pitch today,” he shared via Enyimba FC's club website. “They faced a formidable team and fought with determination and heart. The result might not have gone our way, but what matters is the effort and resilience shown by the boys,” Nwankwo stated. “They did well and I commend them.”

Further speaking on the game, Nwankwo's positivity extended to the team's outlook for the rest of the tournament.

The 47-year-old added: “With what we saw in this game, I'm confident we have what it takes to guarantee qualification when we play the return leg in Aba. In fact, the 4-3 scoreline means the second leg will be highly entertaining, something the fans back home would love to watch.”

The pivotal return fixture is scheduled for Sunday, August 27, at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba, set to kick off at 3 PM local time.