CAF Confederation Cup: El-Kanemi Warriors Eye Second-Round Ticket After Commanding Win

Posted : 09 September 2026

El-Kanemi Warriors have given themselves a strong chance of advancing to the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup after a convincing 3-0 victory over UDIB of Guinea-Bissau in the first leg in Ikenne.

The Maiduguri-based club produced an impressive display to establish a three-goal cushion, but Head Coach King Emmanuel insists the team is still a work in progress and must improve before the return fixture.

Emmanuel said the current squad had only been together for about four weeks, making the team’s early progress particularly encouraging.

“We have not arrived at that point. We are still participating. But at the right time, when we get there, you will see,” he said when asked whether he was satisfied with the team’s performance.

The coach praised the players for their commitment since the squad was assembled, particularly the strides they have made in physical conditioning.

He, however, cautioned that the victory should not create complacency, stressing that there remained significant areas to address before the team could consider itself ready for the demands of continental football.

Despite the need for further improvement, the three-goal advantage has boosted Emmanuel’s belief that the Warriors can secure a place in the next round.

The coach described the result as giving him “higher hopes” and said his players now possess the “key” needed to complete the job in the second leg.

El-Kanemi’s progress has also been supported by the Borno State Government, with Emmanuel expressing appreciation to Gov. Babagana Umar Zulum for his backing of the club.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Poverty Alleviation and Youth Empowerment towards the development of the team.

With a sizeable advantage to protect, Emmanuel has urged his players to remain disciplined and focused when they travel for the return encounter.

He said the Warriors must build on their first-leg performance and complete the assignment in a manner that would give their supporters further reason to celebrate.

“We have seen what happened in the first leg, so we have no option but to go there and make our supporters happy,” he added.

The return leg will provide El-Kanemi Warriors with an opportunity to confirm their progress and move another step closer to the group-stage phase of the CAF Confederation Cup.

CAF Confederation Cup: El-Kanemi Warriors Eye Second-Round Ticket After Commanding Win

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics