Enyimba Knows Importance Of Abia Derby - _Coach Yema_

_..As Ekwutoziam Says Team Is Ready_

Ahead of the Abia Derby in the NPFL match day 12 this Sunday, Coach Yemi Olanrewaju Daniel and midfielder, Eze Ekwutoziam has been speaking on the importance of the titanic clash.

Coach Yema who was visibly disappointed with his team's inability to convert their chances against table toppers, Remo Stars in Aba last weekend said he and his boys know the significance of the game in Umuahia.

In same vein, CHAN Eagles invitee and utility player, Ekwutoziam expressed that the weekend is more than just a weekend for the players as Enyimba will be aiming to repeat last seasons feat against their sister side, Abia Warriors.

Both Abia State owned NPFL sides will clash this Sunday at the Umuahia Township Stadium by 4:00pm, a game that is always a delight to watch for the neutrals but holds different meanings to fans of either divides.

The Enyimba Gaffer noted that the Aba Giants may be without some important players such as Elijah Akani, Captain, Somiari Alalibo, Daniel Daga and Chidiebere Nnanchi due to one injury or the other, but was however optimistic that the team has enough to influence the derby in Umuahia.

"Yeah, we know the importance of this derby, we won them home and away last season.

"Having a new Coach and some new players, we know it's going to be a tough game but for us we have ambition we know what we are chasing, likewise them too because they've lost the last two games.

"It's gonna be a massive game for the fans and the entire state but we would stick to our game plan and our target and hopefully we would come out smiling after the game.

"We have some injury problems, Somiari is still struggling, Akani is out and we have few others too, Chidiebere Nnanchi is still out, Daga is out too with a small knock. But the players on ground can get the job done for us.

"We have to keep going, injury is part of the game and we wish those injured a very quick recovery and have them back sooner than later.

In his own reaction, Nsuka born petit midfielder, Ekwutoziam reiterated that it is more than a weekend for the players.

"Yeah, it's another weekend but it's more than a weekend to us, the Abia Derby. Abia Warriors, a good side, you know they have had a couple of loses, so they are going to come all out on us.

"We are ready for them as well because, we know what the game means to us coming back from our previous results which is not good for us and as a team and for the status of the club.

"We are going to Umuahia for the maximum three points, we know it's not gonna be easy, it's a rivalry game and Abia Warriors have been a tough opponent.

"Most times Enyimba comes out being victorious, so we are ready to repeat the feat of last season against them.

"The tie in Umuahia this weekend it's going to be a very difficult game for both sides but it's football, I wish and hope we take our chances early.

"With the quality of our players and Coaches, we have really done a lot this week puting our previous results behind us and we ready to move forward.

"You know it's going to be a busy week and busy month for us, the continental games is around the Conner but we are ready and we take every game one at a time, it's the Abia Derby and we are going all out for it.