Enyimba keep mum ahead CAF's verdict

The management of Enyimba of Aba are keeping their breath on hold as the African Football Confederation [CAF] takes a decision Saturday, on the allegation of fielding an ineligible player levelled against the 2003 African Champions League winners by Ismaili of Egypt.

General Manager of Enyimba Felix Anyansi told nigeriasports.com Friday,in a telephone interview that
the club has opted to remain silent until the African soccer ruling body rules on the allegation.

"I would not want to say anything for now,no comment,we're not saying anything until CAF gives its
verdict.Moreover I'm not feeling well right now," said Anyansi in a curt reply to a poser on expectations by the club.

Surprisingly, his present posture is a stark contrast to Enyimba's lively rejoinders when Ismaili officials first came out with the accusation. The management of the Egyptian club protested to CAF late February that Enyimba had paraded an ineligible player-Ahmed Garba[a.k.a Yaro Yaro]-in the second leg of their Champions League final.

They forwarded documents to CAF claiming that Garba was indeed a bonafide player of another Nigerian club, Kano Pillars, at the time of playing for Enyimba in the continental competition.

Ismaili subsequently alleged that another player Ndidi Anumnu was also not eligible to lace boots for
Enyimba in the tournament. However,section 1 [c] of article 25 of CAF's rules and regulations states that any player featuring in any of the CAF club competitions must be a registered player of the club in the country's local championship for him to be eligible to play for same club in the CAF competition.

Enyimba have vehemently denied using ineligible players and the Nigeria Football Associatin have also
risen in stout defence of the club claiming that a faceless fraudster, with the name Paul Dodo had
engineered the controversy ostensibly to gype Ismaili of $60,000. Whether Ismaili claims are true or not will be determined Saturday by CAF's inter-club committee.

By Dipo Okubanjo