El-Kanemi Warriors, one of Nigeria’s representatives in the CAF Confederation Cup are in dire straits as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have changed the venue of the preliminary round fixture.
They were originally slated to face Benin's FC Dadje at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, but have been instructed by CAF to relocate their match to the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
CAF issued a letter to El-Kanemi Warriors stating that the pitch in Abuja failed to meet their standards, necessitating the venue change.
The club's subsequent plea to host the fixture at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos was also rejected, leaving them with no choice but to comply with the relocation to Ikenne.
Ikenne, home of Remo Stars, calling for El-Kanemi Warriors
This decision imposes a significant logistical and financial burden on the Maiduguri-based club.
They must now cover the costs associated with transporting the team and staff, as well as securing accommodation and paying for the usage of the Remo Stars facility.
“They (CAF) have sent us a letter to tell us they have taken us (El-Kanemi Warriors) to Remo (Ikenne) even though we registered Abuja,” the Borno state sports commisioner told Afrik-Foot.
“The past few days we have been battling to see how can change this as they have released a bulletin that we will play in Remo (Ikenne). And playing there we have to pay 5-6 million naira before we can use the stadium so we are trying to sort out many things at the moment.
“It is unfortunate that throughout the North there is no stadium that can host us.
“They have told us now that we cannot use Abuja so we are still looking to see what can be done about the situation.”
Should President Federation Cup winners, El-Kanemi Warriors overcome FC Dadje in the preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup, they will then contend with Moroccan giants RS Berkane in their quest to reach the group stage of the competition.
