Bishop Onyeudo is backing his former team, Enyimba, to progress to the second round of the CAF Champions League despite losing at home to AS Real Bamako in the first leg of their first round tie.
The People’s Elephants were humbled 2-1 in Aba to leave their hopes of progressing in the competition hanging by thread.
The Abia Warror’s forward admitted that the defeat came as a huge shock to him, but believed Enyimba had what “it takes to get the desired result in the return leg.
“I was really surprised that Enyimba lost at home to Real Bamako,” Onyeudo told supersport.com.
“They have one of the most balanced teams in Nigeria; so I had so much confidence in them.
“From the goalkeeper to the top striker, Enyimba have tested players who can deliver at this stage of the competition.
“I was part of the team last season, so I know what I am saying. The prospects looked bright then, at least.
“I really believe in the team and I expected them to win convincingly.
“There’s still the second leg to play, so it is not over yet.
“If they prepare very well, and believe it is possible, then they will get a good result and qualify. They have the materials.”
Onyeudo believes they lacked competitive edge following the delayed start to the Nigerian league.
“I’m not making excuses for them, but playing in the Super Four and a couple of friendly matches were not the best way to prepare for African competition.
“If after the Super Four, they had been engaged in league matches, the outcome may have been different.
“They must now find a way to improve on their first leg performance.
“They should be inspired by what Bayelsa United and Warri Wolves were able to achieve in their away matches in the Confederation Cup, he told supersport.com”
The return leg holds in Bamako on March 8.
Nigeria’s other representatives, Kano Pillars, crashed out of the competition in the preliminary round.
