AFL: Enyimba fan begs Wydad Casablanca for mercy as NPFL has not resumed

In the realm of football rivalries, where passion runs deep and allegiances are unyielding, a heartfelt plea from an Enyimba fan to Wydad Casablanca transcends the boundaries of competition, sparking a rare display of compassion. 

With uncertainty surrounding the resumption date for the 2023 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, champions Enyimba FC have found themselves in an unexpected showdown against Moroccan giants, Wydad Casablanca. 

The People’s Elephant will face the Moroccans in the newly introduced league, African Football League, AFL, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo next month. 

This particular encounter, which unfolded amidst the suspension of the NPFL sine die, has become the focal point of concern for one ardent follower of the Aba Millionaires.

Abraham Joseph Essien, the devoted Enyimba fan, took it upon himself to plead with Wydad Casablanca for understanding and empathy. 

Essien addressed the Moroccan side in a heartfelt comment on the African Football League’s Facebook page, following the unveiling of Enyimba on Monday evening.

The AFL unveiled the Elephants as they prepare to kick off what is expected to be an interesting knockout competition. 

“Unveiling the pride of Nigeria,” the AFL stated. “Celebrate the legacy of a legendary team that conquered the Champions League and Super Cup in consecutive years,” it added. 

Responding to the post, the Enyimba fan expressed his concerns about the possible challenges the Elephants and their players will face given that the NPFL remains suspended. 

“Wydad, please, take it easy on Enyimba,” he stated in Pidgin English. ‘Our league has not resumed and I am not sure if the players have been paid,” he added.

The African Football League, initially known as the African Super League, is a joint venture between CAF and FIFA. 

This high-profile competition was conceived to showcase the best of African club football while delighting fans with top-tier matches. 

Beyond the thrill of the game, the AFL aims to boost football development across the continent and elevate African football on the global stage.

It is an annual event that was initially intended for 24 elite clubs in the continent as envisioned by FIFA President, Gianni Infantino.

However, the debut edition features eight formidable teams, including Nigeria’s Enyimba, with plans to expand to the full-scale tournament in the 2024/2025 season.

Enyimba will host Wydad at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on October 22, with the second leg in Morocco three days later.