NPFL: Flood sends out Federation Cup champions El-Kanemi Warriors

The champions of the Federations Cup, El-Kanemi Warriors, are facing significant challenges due to the devastating flood that has ravaged Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.

The flood has resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people and claimed the lives of at least 30 individuals.

Several players of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) side, have been directly affected by the flood, as their homes are in the affected areas.

The club's training activities have also been disrupted, leading to the indefinite postponement of their match-day two encounters against Kwara United.

Goalkeeper George Abine said: "It’s really bad because we cannot train as a group. There is no means of transportation for us to go to the stadium and for those in town to join us."

Abine also expressed concern for the club's fans, "Overall, our fans are badly affected. So even if we have the resources to train, what football are we going to play when the entire Maiduguri is flooded and people can’t come out to watch us?"

Sulaimon Alabi, another El-Kanemi Warriors player, echoed Abine's sentiments, "The last affected area before our place is just like five minutes away. It isn’t good for our fans and officials. It’s a sad phase that will take time for people to recover."

The National Emergency Management Agency reported that at least 414,000 people have been displaced, and 30 have lost their lives. The flood, caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam after heavy rains, has been described as the worst in 30 years.