By Korede James
Enyimba head coach Stanley Eguma has said the presence of Brown Ideye has boosted the output of his teammates.
Former Super Eagles striker Ideye, 36, joined Enyimba in December after almost two decades in Europe. He was a key member of the Nigeria squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations title in South Africa in 2013.
He opened his goals account for Enyimba in their 4-1 win against Black Bulls of Mozambique, in Sunday’s Group D CAF Confederation Cup matchday 4 fixture in Uyo.
It was the former Super Eagles striker’s second game for Enyimba.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Eguma praised Ideye for influencing his Enyimba teammates positively.
“We all know Brown Ideye, he’s a household name, he has made his mark for Nigeria as an international player,” Eguma said.
“As soon as I came to the club I must confess he raised the confidence of the team, his presence is a big plus to the team.
“He might not be fully fit because it’s not quite long je joined the team and we are working on him which is a gradual process.
“This is his second game, he has not had a full 90 minutes game so he’s gradually coming on and we are working hard to make sure he gets back to fitness. He’s still a work in progress as he will add more to the team.”
Enyimba picked up their first win after four games in Group D of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Despite the win, the Aba-based club remain bottom in the group with two games left to play.
Zamalek, on eight points, top the group, with Al Masry second on five points and Black Bulls third on four point.
Commenting on the win against Black Bulls, Eguma described it as a New Year gift to Nigerians.
He added: “This result is a New Year gift to Nigerians because they’ve been yearning for this kind of result in continental football.”
Eguma would hope to help his team build on the win against Black Bulls when the People’s Elephant host Al Masry on Sunday.
