Enyimba coach blames fatigue for heavy defeat in Mozambique

Former African champions, Enyimba of Aba, who were beaten 3-0 by Black Bulls of Mozambique at the weekend, would have done better if the players were well rested before the game, the team’s coach, Yemi Olarenwaju, has said.

“I would say it was a good game by my team today, even we lost 3-0, Olarenwaju told BSNSports.com.ng.

“The scoreline did not reflect the true flow of the game because we were in control for a greater part of the match. But I think we lost concentration because of fatigue.”

The coach described the goals Enyimba conceded as unfortunate, adding: “The first two goals came from corner kicks and after the second, it became difficult to fight back.”

He revealed that the Peoples Elephants (Enyimba) arrived in Mozambique only on Saturday evening after a ‘hectic schedule.’

“We had a league game on Wednesday in Nigeria, traveled to Lagos on Thursday and left for Mozambique on Friday. It’s been overwhelming for the players and the results are evident in our performance.

“We have played five games in the past two weeks, which is not healthy for the players given the distance we are covering,” he said.
Olanrewaju said that the congested fixture list is affecting his team’s performance, explaining:
“For the next CAFCC game, we will have played five more league games. It is clumsy and crazy but hopefully, the authority in Nigeria will step in to help manage our fixtures.

“Our problem this season has been scoring goals. Even today, we could have scored three or four goals, but it didn’t happen. Hopefully, we will bring in two strikers in January to strengthen the team,” Olarenwaju stated.

The Guardian recalls that Enyimba came from 0-2 down to draw 2-2 against Zamalek of Egypt two weeks ago in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.