By Kayode John
El-Kanemi Warriors captain, George Abine, has revealed that the floods which ravaged most parts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, affected the club’s training activities for the week.
Maiduguri was hit by severe floods on Tuesday, when the Alau Dam broke its banks following torrential rainfall.
Over half of the Borno State capital has been affected, with houses submerged and thousands of residents displaced.
Consequently the matchday 2 fixture of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) between El-Kanemi and Kwara United, initially scheduled for Maiduguri on Sunday, has been postponed.
Abine on Friday said the floods have had an adverse effect on the club’s training schedule.
“The flood has really affected the team because we’ve not been able to train as a team,” he told Brila FM.
“Those who stay in the camp trained but the home-based players have not been able to join us twice now because some areas were seriously affected by the flood.
“The players have been unable to come out and no access to go to the stadium. We’ve been training at a five-a-side pitch in the camp, that is where we’ve been managing to train.”
Abine appealed for help while explaining why the fixture between El-Kanemi and Kwara United had to be called off.
“That is why they have postponed the league (game), this weekend, so that those coming into the town will not be affected and fans coming to the stadium as well,” he added.
“People have been running helter-skelter because of the floods. Fans trying to survive cannot come to the stadium. This is a very trying time for the state. I pray that God and the government will come to the aid of the people of Maiduguri.”
El-Kanemi, who are the President Federation Cup holders, forced reigning NPFL champions Enugu Rangers to a 0-0 draw in Enugu, in the opening match of the 2024/2025 season on August 31.
