Ajiboye: Playing In Kano Won’t Affect Plateau United From Defeating Etoile
Plateau United goalkeeper, Dele Ajiboye claims that venue changes from Jos base to the Sani Abacha stadium in Kano would have no effect on the Nigerian representatives from securing a vital win in their CAF Champions League first round, second leg fixture against Tunisian club Etoile du Sahel on Sunday.
The Nigerian champions who were defeated in the first leg 4-2 at the Olympic Stadium, Sousse last Wednesday will play host to the Tunisians in Kano after the Confederation of African Football stopped them from using their home ground, New Jos Stadium due to the non-completion of the venue.
Ajiboye who is certified to be in goal for the game following injury to Okiemute Odah is however assured they will conquer the North Africans and secure their passage into the money-spinning group stage of the competition.
“It’s no big deal for us playing in Kano as we are used to playing in the stadium and we believe the fans will come out in large numbers to support us,” Ajiboye told CSN.
“I just feel for some of our fans who might not be able to travel to Kano to see us in action but we will do our best to make them proud.
“We have a tough job ahead of us as Etoile du Sahel are one of the best teams in the continent, but the two goals we scored in the first leg is a big bonus for us.
“Kano is home away from home for us and we hope to make it to the group stage at the end of the day.”
Qualification to the group stage will guarantee the NPFL champions $550,000 from CAF .
Nigeria’s other representative in the competition, MFM FC will take on MC Alger on Saturday at the July 5 Stadium,Algiers. The Olukoya Boys won the first leg 2-1.
No Nigerian club has won the CAF Champions League since Enyimba in 2004.
