Enyimba coach Yemi Olanrewaju is confident that his team will bounce back from their recent defeat against Al Masry of Egypt in the CAF Confederation Cup when they face arch-rivals Rangers International in an Oriental derby on match-day 15 of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League.
The Aba giants go into the match-day 15 tie after a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Al Masry of Egypt in the CAF Confederation Cup with two backlogs of league matches hanging around their neck as a result of their continental engagement.
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Olanrewaju is, however, quick to turn his attention to the domestic scene as they have also dropped to eighth position in the table with just 20 points and two games at hand.
Rangers on the other hand enter the derby on a high, with three wins in their last five games, climbing to fourth in the table with 23 points having played two games more than Enyimba.
“The game against Rangers, we know the importance and the rivalry,” Olanrewaju said.
“This is not a game to re-emphasize as a coach; the players know what is at stake and what it means for the club.
“Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the desired result in Egypt but we have to focus on the league before our next game on the continent.”
Despite being depleted by injuries, the gaffer is banking on the depth of his squad to get the job done.
“Yes, there are one or two injury worries for some important players but we have a large squad and can carry on from there. We are ready for the game.”
Since 2010, the two oriental giants have clashed 27 times, with Enyimba holding the upper hand with 12 wins compared to Rangers’ seven while seven encounters have ended in stalemates.
Last season, the derby offered no shortage of drama with a thrilling 1-1 draw in Aba in the first leg before both sides met in a neck-and-neck race in a sold-out second leg in Enugu.
The game was, however, marred by controversy, giving Rangers three goals and three points which propelled them to their eighth title.
