Port Harcourt – Paul Aigbogu, Coach, Enyimba International FC of Aba, on Sunday said he was excited that his club defeated Vital O of Burundi in a CAF championship league match.
Enyimba defeated visiting Vital O 5-1 in the first leg of the group stages of the competition at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.
Aigbogun told sports writers after the match that they defeated their opponents with more goals because they took their chances.
“We have been playing well all along without scoring enough goals apart from one game that we did not play well.
“I think we are the better side today and I thank God that we took our chances,’’ he said.
Aigbogun disclosed that the team had a new build-up as new players were given the chance to play and they all came together as a family to win.
He said the team would prepare for the return leg in a fortnight because they were not underrating Vital O in spite of the victory.
“I thank God that we won 5-1, I am happy with that, but every game is important. So, we will really prepare well for the next game.
“You have to give respect to any team you are going to play. They did their best today and we are going to prepare better,’’ he said.
One of the players, Mfon Udoh, said he was happy to score two goals for his team.
Udoh said that the victory was a birthday gift for him on March 14.
“I feel very happy considering the fact that March 14 is my birthday. I think I have got myself the best birthday gift,’’ the midfielder said.
Etiene Ndayiragije, Head Coach, Vital O, said his team still had the chance to make the difference in the return leg.
Ndayiragije said that anything was possible in football and there was nothing wrong with the outcome of the game.
“Soccer is a game of miracles otherwise it will not happen this way. We congratulate Enyimba for playing good football.
“The pitch was a problem for the players. We are not used to playing on this kind of pitch, so, the boys lost concentration,’’ he said.
Ndayiragije said that they had a very good reception in Port Harcourt and that the club had comfort.
NAN reports Stephen Chukwude scored in the 20th and 38th minutes, while Mfon Udoh scored in the 23rd and 56thminutes and the Leonard Ugochukwu in the 85th minute.
Shabani Hussein scored Vital O’s lone goal in the 76th minute. (NAN)