Battle of Warriors: Unbeaten El-Kanemi target 3SC scalp

El-Kanemi Warriors coach Aliyu Zubairu is confident his team will extend their unbeaten run in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League when they face 3SC in a matchday 11 game at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, on Sunday (today), PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 2024 Federation Cup champions are the only unbeaten team so far in the Nigerian topflight, having avoided defeat in their previous 10 games—a run that has seen them win just three games plus seven draws.

Zubairu’s side are fifth in the NPFL table with 16 points, and the gaffer is hoping to build on their impressive run against the Oluyole Warriors.

“It is the wish of every team that is having an unbeaten run to sustain it, and we are not different. We are in Ibadan, not just to play for a draw but to get all three points. Our away games have been very good this season, and we want to build on that,” Zubair told PUNCH Sports Extra.

Despite travelling long distances for their away matches, one of their three wins was a 4-3 victory over Nasarawa United in Lafia, while they have also picked points against dreaded teams like Rivers United and reigning champions Enugu Rangers.

“Travelling long distances is a thing of the mind. It is very difficult, but we have always rallied ourselves to ensure that it doesn’t hold us back, and we are managing it very well so far,” the coach added.

El-Kanemi’s run should be a major concern for their hosts, 3SC, who sit just four points behind their visitors in the league table with 15 points after 10 games.

The Oluyole Warriors have been shy in front of goal, with just six in the kitty this season, and coach Gbenga Ogunbote, who almost led them to a continental spot last season, is appealing to the fans to keep faith in the team.

“We didn’t bargain for what we are getting; our intention was that, by this time of the league, we ought to have been better than what we are now. But we are working seriously to get back to our right position,” Ogunbote told 3SC FansTV.

“I still want to appeal to the fans to have faith in the team. We will bounce back. We are working round the clock to ensure we get back to winning ways.”