•Enyimba’s Kingsley Elvis in action against Wikki Tourist’s Abubakar Abdulkadir at the ongoing the Globacom Super 4 play-off at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. Pix: AYODELE OJO

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The rivalry between Enyimba International FC of Aba and Rangers International of Enugu, will be rekindled inside the mainbowl of the new ultra modern Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos today.

Both sides clash in what has been variously deserved as the star fixture of the on-going Super 4 contest. Interestingly, each of them have three points after winning their matches in the first day of the tournament on Wednesday against Wikki Tourists of Bauchi and Gombe United, respectively.

Enyimba, however, top the table courtesy of their 2–1 victory over Wikki Tourists, as against Rangers’ 0–1 defeat of Gombe. Should either of them win in today’s epic clash, the winner would have been guaranteed of a berth in next year’s CAF Champions League.

There is, therefore, everything to play for by both sides. Apart from the ticket to play in the continent, there is the coveted trophy, as well as the cash prize of N3 million for the overall winners. But more importantly is the pride at stake.

Coaches Okey Emordi and Alphonusus Dike both of who guided Enyimba to their second CAF Champions League triumph in 2004 would be plotting against their former team now tinkered by a Belgian coach, Maurine Cooreman, who led Ocean Boys of Brass to lift the Super 4 trophy last year.
Fixtures involving both sides have always been keenly contested. Always described as oriental war, as both teams come from the eastern part of the country, ego has always taken the centre stage with both sides claiming superiority.

Rangers are no doubt, a tradition team, whose followership transcends their geographic location. Although they have a rich pedigree, Enyimba and their supporters believe that they (Enyimba) are the team of the moment, while Rangers belong to the past. Enyimba’s recent spate of success especially at the continental scene, where they ruled Africa twice speaks for the Aba Peoples’ Elephant’s claim of superiority. If Rangers are a traditional and spirit team, Enyimba are a glamour side, popularly referred to as the ‘Chelsea of Africa.’

Ahead of today’s clash, both camps had talked tough. Enyimba parade four former players of Rangers, Okey Odita, Eken Emigo both defenders as well as midfield Sam Ledor and striker, Junior Osagie. Ledor and Osagie had advised their former team, Rangers to forget the Super League title as they were determined to ensure victory for their new team, even though they confessed their love for Rangers.

But former Enugu Rangers goalkeeper and a member of the technical crew of the team, Emma Okala, has assure that his boys would rise up to the Enyimba challenge.
"Our boys did not play according to instructions against Gombe United, but they would surely raise their game against Enyimba because they know that Enyimba are a big team. We are fully ready for Enyimba, but we will not reveal our game plan," he said.

The players Enyimba must watch in Rangers’ squad include scorer of the winning goal against Gombe United, Chijioke Abai, Sunday Mba and Emeka Onuoha, while captain Chinedu Efugh, Stanley Onuegbu and Henry Obiekwu must work hard to shield either Chigozie Agbim or Ebele Obi in goal against the rampaging Enyimba attack, featuring Josiah Maduabuchi, Gwar Sibi and Uche Kalu with support from David Tyavkase and Ejike Uzrenyi.

In the second match of the day, Wikki Tourists and Gombe United both of who loss their first matches will lock horns with each of them looking to secure the three maximum points to keep hope of a continental outing next year alive.