 Enyimba players face a tough mission in Malawi |
African Champions League holders Enyimba have been offered bigger bonuses ahead of Sunday's crunch Group A match in Malawi against Bakili Bullets. Enyimba, who are only two points clear of Bakili Bullets in the standings after five matches, need at least a draw in this final group fixture to qualify for the semi-final of Africa's premier club competition.
"We have reviewed upwards their match bonus for this game," said club chairman Felix Anyansi-Agwu.
"We defeated this same team 6-0 in the first round but we are not leaving anything to chance to ensure we get a result in Malawi this weekend."
Officials said each player could receive US$1,000 if they reach the semi-finals, where they will face Group B winners Esperance of Tunisia.
Each Enyimba player was rewarded with a brand-new car and cash when the team became the first Nigerian club to win the Champions League last December. Enyimba go into Saturday's clash boosted by the return of defender Obinna Nwaneri, who missed last month's home loss to Africa Sports of Ivory Coast.
Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who missed his flight to Malawi Wednesday, has joined up with the team in Blantyre, while his opposite number, Swadick Sanudi, will miss the tie as he is serving a one-match suspension.
Meanwhile, back in Nigeria, it has been announced that President Olusegun Obasanjo will host a reception for players and officials of the national women's team that recently won the African Championship in Johannesburg.
President Obasanjo is scheduled to meet the Super Falcons on 20 October - exactly two weeks after they made it four African titles in a row.