CAF CL: 'I was hit by firecrackers during loss to Al Ahly' -- Enyimba goalkeeper Ojo talks tough ahead of second leg
BY Jonathan Ledger
Olorunleke Ojo, the captain and goalkeeper of Enyimba FC, says fans of Al-Ahly Benghazi “hurled firecrackers and bottled water” at him during their CAF Champions League (CAFCL) encounter in Libya.
Enyimba lost 4-3 to the Libyan outfit in the first leg of their preliminary tie last weekend.
In a chat with TheCable, Ojo said the Nigerian club suffered “intimidation” at the hands of Al-Ahly Benghazi fans.
The Super Eagles invitee also blamed stress and fatigue for the team’s uncharacteristic defensive performance against Benghazi.
“I must tell you the truth, we saw a lot in Libya,” he said. “Personally I went through a lot; fans threw firecrackers and bottled water as missiles in my direction during the match.
“Both goalposts were close to where their fans were camped and it was not really easy. Despite the intimidation and other stuff directed at me from the stands, I was able to pull myself together and stand firm.”
The NPFL winner, however, said the team will use the experience as a springboard to victory in the second leg.
Ojo also appealed to fans to recreate the deafening atmosphere — the same way Al-Ahly Benghazi supporters did in Libya — to inspire Enyimba to victory in Aba.
“If we can get one-third of the support from spectators and our fans [on Sunday] the same way [Al-Ahly Benghazi fans] gave their players in Libya, there is no way they will escape defeat here,” he said.
“We saw the support their people gave to them and contributed to their performance. There is nowhere in the world that kind of support is given and you will not give your all, you will not want to disappoint your fans and the people.”
Ojo said the team’s mood is positive, adding that the “Chijioke Mboama-led attack will be on a goal-scoring spree”.
“The mood has been okay, we have put the result behind us and everybody is in a good state of mind, feeling no pressure and ready to go again in the second leg, including our attack. They had a good game in Libya and I pray they carry the same form to the game on Sunday, individually and as a team,” he said.
“We will try to score as many goals as possible; I am looking beyond three goals, we will not stop scoring when we get the first goal.”
Enyimba, two-time CAF Champions League winners, will face Al-Ahly Benghazi in Aba on Sunday.
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