NNL commends El-Kanemi for victory as club plans for Confederation Cup

President Federation Cup champions, El-Kanemi Warriors, will begin immediate fortification of the squad for the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup, which begins later this year, an official of the club has said.

El-Kanemi defeated Abia Warriors 2-0 on Saturday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, to win this year’s competition, which is their third triumph in the championship.

Top Borno State government officials were on hand to see Ali Zubairu and his boys’ win the trophy for the first time in 32 years. The club also earned the N50 million cash prize amid the celebrations.

Two goals from former Super Eagles invitee, Nasiru Salihu, who had earlier lost a penalty in the first half, gave El-Kanemi the victory in a game they totally dominated.

Victory in the President Federations Cup also means El-Kanemi, recently promoted to the NPFL, becomes one of Nigeria’s representatives at next season’s CAF Confederations Cup.

A top official of the club told The Guardian after the game that the team will return to Maiduguri to celebrate and then plan for the Confederation Cup.

“Our people have not seen international football for a long time, so we want to make our participation in the Confederation Cup a memorable one.

“The team is still young and we don’t have much problem in that area, but we need some experienced players to beef up the squad,” the official, who pleaded anonymity, said.

Also speaking on the triumph, Head Coach, Aliyu Zubairu, said the secret behind his side’s victory was their youthfulness.He said: “We have perseverance and resilience to keep going, no matter the situation. I knew they will keep pushing,” he said after the game.

“The age advantage of the team gave us the edge and the trophy.”

Meanwhile, Nigeria National League (NNL) Chairman, George Aluo, has congratulated the Maiduguri-based El-Kanemi Warriors for their impressive victory, saying the win shows that their promotion to the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) was not by luck. He said: “The victory is victory for NNL and we are proud of El Kanemi’s achievement.

“El Kanemi’s feat also defines the quality of NNL and underscores the fact that it is truly the most important league in Nigeria.” Aluo predicted that El-Kanei would do well in the continent next season.