CAF Confederation Cup: El-Kanemi Warriors Target Strong Home Advantage Against Raja Casablanca

Posted : 25 September 2026

El-Kanemi Warriors will look to turn home advantage into a strong foundation when they host Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup tie.

Chairman of the Borno-based club, Waziri Isah, said the team was fully prepared for the continental challenge and determined to give a good account of itself against the experienced Moroccan side.

El-Kanemi Warriors will host Raja in the first leg before travelling to Casablanca for the return fixture at Stade Mohamed V on Oct. 24.

“We are preparing to face Raja Casablanca. We will play them at home and, a week later, follow them to Morocco for the return leg.

“We have no problem with Raja Casablanca. We are waiting for the time and we are prepared,” Isah said in Maiduguri on Thursday.

The chairman said the Confederation Cup remained the club’s immediate priority despite its relegation from the domestic top flight, while efforts were continuing to secure a return to the elite division.

He also disclosed that the club had intensified its youth development programme, with about 15 young players currently training alongside the senior squad.

“We are catching them young. They train together with the senior players and copy from their experience,” he said.

Isah added that the club had improved players’ welfare through accommodation and match bonuses, noting that each player had access to a room equipped with an air conditioner, refrigerator and television at the club’s camp.

He commended Gov. Babagana Zulum and the Commissioner for Youth and Sports for their financial and other support to the club.

Technical Adviser Emmanuel King said the team had stepped up its physical and tactical preparations, with emphasis on fitness, tactical understanding and confidence ahead of the first leg.

King said El-Kanemi Warriors would adopt an attacking approach at home while maintaining respect for Raja’s pedigree in African football.

“I don’t believe in brand; I believe in content. Raja has experience on the continent and we respect them, but we want to make a statement,” he said.

The coach said the team’s 3-1 aggregate victory over UDIP of Guinea-Bissau in the previous round had provided an important confidence boost.

He attributed the success to the players’ resilience, discipline and willingness to respond to instructions and corrections.

“We are not scared. We will respect Raja and will not be boastful, but the outcome after 90 minutes will determine the contest,” King said.

With the first leg offering El-Kanemi Warriors an opportunity to establish an advantage before the trip to Casablanca, King expressed confidence that his players had the quality and determination to compete strongly for a place in the next round.

CAF Confederation Cup: El-Kanemi Warriors Target Strong Home Advantage Against Raja Casablanca

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