Enyimba train on new turf, receive $5000 from Governor Okezie
Enyimba Football Club trained on the new turf of their revamped stadium for the first time on Friday.
After nearly three seasons away from home due to reconstruction, Friday's training session marked a symbolic and emotional return for the seven time Nigerian champions who had hundreds of fans in the stands cheering their every move and touch of the ball.
The training was preceded by a prayer session as the club rededicated the stadium to God. The brief service was anchored by Reverend Father Paulinus Nwachukwu.
Under the watchful eyes of Coach Usman Abd'Allah, the players performed several ball drills with admirable comfort and hailed the lush green surface as world class.
It was however the unexpected arrival of the Abia State Governor, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu that was the highlight of the day, as he made his way onto the pitch to warmly receive the team back in Aba and reaffirm his continued support.
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"The expectations of not only Abia people but all Nigerians is on your young shoulders," the Governor remarked.
"After the Super Eagles' early exit from Russia, if there is any hope for Nigeria to make impact in soccer in 2018, it is on your young shoulders. Those that spend time to pray and wish you well cut across all strata of society, from far and near. So you are not only representing your club Enyimba but you are also representing Nigeria and the expectation is quite high," Governor Okezie stated, before handing the team $5000 as a welcome back bonus.
Club captain Mfon Udoh reacted by thanking the Governor for what he described as the best pitch in the country and promised that the team will reciprocate the government's gesture by bringing more trophies back to Aba.
"After the Super Eagles' early exit from Russia, if there is any hope for Nigeria to make impact in soccer in 2018, it is on your young shoulders. Those that spend time to pray and wish you well cut across all strata of society, from far and near. So you are not only representing your club Enyimba but you are also representing Nigeria and the expectation is quite high," Governor Okezie stated, before handing the team $5000 as a welcome back bonus.
Club captain Mfon Udoh reacted by thanking the Governor for what he described as the best pitch in the country and promised that the team will reciprocate the government's gesture by bringing more trophies back to Aba.
Enyimba are likely to play their first competitive game on the new turf when they host CARA Brazzaville on August 28 in a crunch CAF Confederation Cup tie.
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