Enyimba of Aba
Enyimba of Aba in Nigeria and their neighbour Enugu Rangers, have been selected by FIFA amongst 16 top African clubs that will take part in a post-COVID-19 fundraising tournament. The selection was made based on popularity in the African continent, Enyimba is not the only team selected by Fifa, Enugu Rangers was also listed in the selection.
Fifa selected at most two clubs from all the African countries, Enyimba and Enugu Rangers are the two clubs that were selected from Nigeria. Al Ahly and Zamalek were the two clubs selected from Egypt, Esperance of Tunisia, Kaiser Chiefs and Orlando Pirates of South Africaof South Africa.
TP Mazembe of Congo DR and Accra Hearts of Oak of Ghana are also listed for the tournament scheduled to hold on home and away format. Kampala City Club KCC of Uganda, Zesco United of Zambia, El Merreikh of Sudan, Gor Mahia of Kenya, AS Vita of Congo, Raja Casablanca and Wydad both of Morocco complete the list.
According to FIFA, the tournament will be held in other continents but they have not put a time frame for the tournament yet. The global football body only disclosed that the tournament would only take place ‘when it is safe for fans to return to the stadium’.
Fifa said: “The tournament will be held in each continent at the same time”, FIFA said. “It will last for a month with the tournament starting with group ties played over two legs. “The money realised will be managed by FIFA who will, in turn, reward each club or representatives during an award to the Champions at its inauguration of inter-club tournament in the Hall of Heroes in Zurich, Switzerland”.
Enyimba and Rangers have been duly informed of the tournament even as FIFA is yet to officially communicate the duo. Enyimba officials have confirmed that they heard about the tournament and they are ready for it. “It’s not a bad idea. But we have not been officially communicated by FIFA”. Enyimba confirmed.
Enugu Rangers also admitted that they are aware as they said: “We’ve heard about it. Our contact with some of the clubs equally proved positive but we are yet to hear directly from FIFA or CAF,” the Flying Antelopes official said.