Nigeria throws all-night party for victorious Enyimba

Dec 13, 2003 - Football fans across Nigeria partied through the night after the country's champions Enyimba of Aba beat Ismaili of Egypt to become the first Nigerian club to win the CAF Champions League.

Enyimba lost Friday by a controversial first half penalty goal to Ismaili in the return leg final of Africa's richest clubs' competition but triumphed 2-1 on aggregate having won the first leg at home 2-0.

At the team's base in Aba, eastern Nigeria, joyous fans toasted the hard-fought victory at drinking bars and nightclubs.

"We are celebrating this great day," said Obinna Nwafor, a trader who watched the game live on television along with several friends.

"The Egyptians tried to intimidate us but we showed true character and this gave us the cup and we are now part of history."

Since the first African Champions Cup in 1964 no Nigerian club has won it.

Former international Segun Odegbami, who narrowly failed with Shooting Stars of Ibadan to win the competition in 1992, said Enyimba's win will improve the country's rating in the game.

"We have finally broken the jinx," he said.

"That we have never won this trophy in the past has left a big dent in our image and cost us respect in the eyes of Africa. But now Enyimba have changed all that."

The final was marred by ugly scenes as Egyptian fans threw missiles onto the pitch late in the match, forcing the game to be held up for several minutes.

In Lagos, thousands of fans poured onto the streets after the final whistle, dancing and chanting songs in praise of the new African champions.

Enyimba are owned by Abia State Government and Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, a self-confessed soccer nut, who has personally managed the club since his election in May, 1999.

"Nigerian football at club level will never be the same again," said an ecstatic chairman of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Ibrahim Galadima.

"I predict that other Governors will now try to emulate what Governor Kalu has done with Enyimba and that can only be good for the game in the country."

The historic victory was front page news in local newspapers.

The Punch headlined its own lead story "Enyimba Enyi" while The Sun headlined its main report "Heroes" alongside a big photo of Enyimba players celebrating a goal.

The Sun described the victory as "a worthy Christmas gift" while also singling out Governor Kalu for special praise for his financial and moral support to "The People's Elephant".

The success earned Enyimba total prize money of 950,000 dollars with the NFA receiving 50,000 dollars.

Source: WorldSoccerNews.com

Videos	New Posters	CALENDARS	Books	Magazines	Games