The Nigerian team was already in Johannesburg, South Africa awaiting a connecting flight to Harare, when the sad news of Yar’ Adua’s death was broken. Officials of the team said the need to wear black armband was to show their last respect to late President.
Players of Warri Wolves, who are battling chilly weather, will have their hands today, as they attempt to cage the youthful CAPS United before a capacity home crowd of over 40,000.
Ahead the clash, players and officials of both teams are talking tough. While CAPS United coach, Lloyd Chitembwe says it is the end of the road for the Nigerian side, the goalkeeper of Warri Wolves, Ambrose Vanzekin says the host will fall in the presence of their fans.
According to Coach Chitembwe, CAPS United had learnt its lesion from the first leg played in Warri two weeks ago saying: “I don’t see the Nigerian team surviving tomorrow (today).
He said that he had put in place a formidable side that would teach Warri Wolves the lesion of its life’.
But Vanzekin see Chitembwe’s vow as a mere boast, saying: “They will be surprised with the result at the end of the match because we are here for real business.
Vanzekin, who spoke with The Guardian shortly after the team’s training yesterday, admitted that Wolves made mistakes in Warri but assured that they would go all out to beat their host in today’s encounter.
He said: “I don’t blame the coach of CAPS United for saying that. If we had beaten them silly in Nigeria two weeks ago, all this noise won’t happen. But I can assure you that we will beat them, no matter their tricks tomorrow (today),” Vanzekin stated.
The Nigerian team needs a draw to move to the group stage, while the homers needs at least a 1-0 win to scale through. CAPS, who play better away would have to go the extra mile to win this game.
