Nigeria’s sole representative in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Confederations Cup, Enyimba, kicks off another campaign on the continent as they face Egypt’s Al Masry.
The game, scheduled to take place at the Suez Canal Stadium, presents a fresh opportunity for the People's Elephant to revive the glory days of 2003 and 2004, when they clinched back-to-back CAF Champions League titles.
Since their historic triumphs, neither Enyimba nor any other Nigerian club has won the CAF Champions League or the CAF Confederation Cup.
The best performances by the Aba-based side. since then include reaching the Champions League semi-finals in 2008 and 2011, as well as the Confederation Cup semi-finals in 2018.
Now, under the leadership of young coach Olanrewaju Daniel, Enyimba embarks on this Confederation Cup journey with high hopes.
As the nine-time NPFL champions begins this new campaign, here are five of their most memorable victories in CAF interclub competitions.
Enyimba vs Ismaily – CAF Champions League Final, November 2003
Enyimba’s journey to their first CAF Champions League title remains one of the most iconic moments in Nigerian football.
They emerged from a tough group that included Simba, ASEC Mimosas, and Ismaily, who they later faced in the final.
After defeating Algeria’s USM Alger 3-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals, Enyimba prepared for a historic showdown with Ismaily.
In the first leg at the Aba International Stadium, the home side secured a 2-0 victory, with goals from Emeka Nwanna and Ndidi Anumunu.
Although they lost the second leg 1-0 in Egypt, their aggregate victory secured Nigeria’s first CAF Champions League trophy to signal their arrival on the big time.
Enyimba vs Étoile du Sahel – CAF Champions League Final, December 2004
Enyimba returned to the final in 2004, aiming to defend their title.
After defeating another North African side, Espérance de Tunis, in the semi-finals, they faced Étoile du Sahel in a tense final.
Enyimba lost the first leg 2-1 in Tunisia, leaving them with an uphill battle in the return leg at the National Stadium in Abuja.
Vincent Enyeama scored a penalty in the 43rd minute, followed by a Muri Ogunbiyi strike that gave the defending champions the edge.
Although Étoile levelled the aggregate score, the match went to penalties, where Enyimba triumphed 5-3 to retain their title and cement their place in African football history.
Enyimba 3-0 Étoile du Sahel – CAF Champions League, April 2016
Enyimba got another one over Étoile du Sahel in 2016 during the second round of qualifiers for the CAF Champions League group stage.
Playing at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, they dismantled the Tunisian giants 3-0, thanks to a stunning hat-trick from Mfon Udoh.
Though Étoile won the second leg 3-0, resulting in a 3-3 aggregate score, Enyimba advanced to the group stage after goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai saved two penalties in the shootout against the Tunisians.
Enyimba 5-1 Rayon Sports – CAF Confederation Cup, September 2018
Enyimba produced one of their most emphatic wins in African football by thrashing Rwanda’s Rayon Sports 5-1 in the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals.
Playing at the Aba International Stadium, the two-time African champions delivered an attacking masterclass, with goals from Stanley Dimgba, Ikouwem Udoh, Sunday Adetunji, Joseph Osadiaye, and Isiaka Oladuntoye.
The victory propelled Enyimba to their first CAF interclub semi-final in over a decade, reaffirming their status as one of Africa’s elite clubs.
Additionally, it helped Nigeria maintain its two-club quota for CAF competitions.
Enyimba 1-0 Orlando Pirates – CAF Confederation Cup, April 2021
In the final group-stage match of the CAF Confederation Cup, Enyimba faced South African side Orlando Pirates in a do-or-die encounter.
With Entente Sétif of Algeria also in contention, the Nigerian giants needed a win to secure their spot in the quarter-finals.
The game seemed destined for a stalemate until Cyril Olisema scored in the dying moments, delivering a dramatic 1-0 victory for the Aba giants.
This crucial win ensured Enyimba topped their group and advanced to the last eight, once again preserving Nigeria’s two-club quota in CAF competitions.
