‘We have not arrived yet’ - Emmanuel keeps El-Kanemi Warriors grounded after CAF Confederation Cup win
El-Kanemi Warriors may have taken a big step towards the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup, but head coach King Emmanuel is refusing to get carried away by the 3-0 first-leg victory over UDIB of Guinea-Bissau.
The Maiduguri based side produced a convincing display in Ikenne to establish a healthy advantage, but Emmanuel believes the scoreline should not hide the reality that his team is still finding its feet.
The coach pointed out that the current squad has been together for barely four weeks and remains a work in progress.
“We have not arrived at that point. We are still participating. But at the right time, when we get there, you will see,” Emmanuel said, making it clear that he is more interested in the team’s development than early praise.
For Emmanuel, one of the biggest positives from the opening leg has been the players’ physical transformation. He acknowledged the hard work put in since the squad was assembled, stressing that the improvement in fitness has shown on the pitch.
However, he was equally quick to admit that several areas still require attention before the team can consider itself fully ready for the demands ahead.
The result, nonetheless, has given the coach greater belief that El-Kanemi can complete the job and advance to the second round. The three-goal cushion has raised his hopes, with Emmanuel describing the first-leg result as giving his side the “key” to qualification.
He also expressed appreciation to Borno State Governor Babagana Umar Zulum for his backing, while commending the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Poverty Alleviation and Youth Empowerment for his contribution to the team’s progress.
Despite the advantage, Emmanuel knows the tie is not over. He has urged his players to remain disciplined and focused in Guinea-Bissau, insisting that the real objective is to finish the job. “We have seen what happened in the first leg, so we have no option but to go there and make our supporters happy,” he added.
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