Nigerian strikers Rume Akporoh and Francis Ayuba scored as Mozambican champions Black Bulls defeated Enyimba 3-0 in a CAF Confederation Cup Group C match. The loss leaves Enyimba at the bottom of the group with just one point, while Black Bulls, along with Egyptian clubs Zamalek and Al Masry, have four points midway through the group stage.
The Black Bulls dominated from the start, taking the lead in the 17th minute when Akporoh headed in from a corner. They doubled their advantage in the second half via another corner before Ayuba, a former Flying Eagles striker, sealed the win with an 84th-minute goal in Maputo. The teams will meet again in a crucial reverse fixture in Uyo on January 5, 2025.
Editorial
Enyimba’s heavy defeat at the hands of the Black Bulls is a stark reminder of the challenges Nigerian clubs face in continental competitions. Despite their reputation as one of Nigeria’s most successful clubs, this loss highlights a need for greater consistency and resilience when playing away games.
The result not only jeopardises Enyimba’s chances of progressing to the next round but also raises questions about their preparation and squad depth. With the return leg in Uyo fast approaching, Enyimba must regroup and leverage home advantage to revive their campaign.
For Nigerian football, performances like this underscore the importance of investment in club infrastructure, player development, and strategic planning to compete effectively on the continental stage.
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Did You Know?
- Enyimba is the only Nigerian club to have won the CAF Champions League, claiming the title twice (2003, 2004).
- The Black Bulls, based in Maputo, are one of Mozambique’s rising football powers, often featuring Nigerian players in their lineup.
- Group C includes two Egyptian powerhouses, Zamalek and Al Masry, who have historically performed well in CAF competitions.
- Rume Akporoh and Francis Ayuba are part of a growing trend of Nigerian players contributing significantly to foreign clubs in Africa.
- Enyimba’s last significant continental success was reaching the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup in 2018.
