That incredible performance away from home truly put Enyimba FC in the sights of the spectators of the CAF Champions League.
Despite the fact that the Nigerian team made it all the way to the quarter finals, nobody really paid attention to them more than necessary.
To them, they were a team riding their luck who made it to the quarter finals only through a stroke of luck but in that quarter final game where most of the spectators of the CAF champions league spectated, they finally understood.
This Enyimba FC team was not a team that just came for a bus ride through the CAF Champions League, they were a team that came to stay, and win.
For the first time, after that performance, Enyimba FC this season were seen as genuine contenders for the CAF Champions League trophy.
But it was still a long way to the final, and eventually the trophy itself, or so they thought. In reality, time moves so fast, almost like a mirage at times.
While still maintaining impressive domestic form in the NPFL, a week later, on Friday 28th April, Enyimba Fc welcomed JS Kabylie to their home in the Enyimba International Stadium for the return leg of their quarter final draw.
(CAF Champions League!)
(Quarter-final fixtures:)
>Wydad AC – SimbaAggregate: 0-1Date: 28 April, 2023Mamelodi Sundowns - CR BelouizdadAggregate: 4-1Date: 29 April, 2023Raja CA – Al AhlyAggregate: 0-2Date: 29 April, 2023Enyimba FC – JS KabylieAggregate: 1-0Date: 29 April, 2023Wydad AC 1-0 SimbaAggregate: 1-1, Wydad AC wins 4-3 on penaltiesDate: 28 April, 2023Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 CR BelouizdadAggregate: 6-2Date: 29 April, 2023Raja CA 0-0 Al AhlyAggregate: 0-2Date: 29 April, 2023Enyimba FC 2-1 JS KabylieAggregate: 3-1Date: 29 April, 2023Enyimba FC – Al AhlyDate: 12 May, 2023Wydad Ac – Mamelodi SundownsDate: 13 May, 2023<
…
"Austin, you're the captain of Enyimba FC. What are your thoughts about your team's performance today?"
Austin wiped the sweat off his face, breathing heavily. "Well, the result speaks for itself. With a packed stadium, we have no choice but to play our best football to reward the fans". He chuckled.
"It's seriously impressive that your team managed to beat JS Kabylie, they were once touted as favorites to win the CAF tournament this year. And in contrast, Enyimba FC was never one of the favorites".
"Your club didn't even qualify, the national association helped, what do you think about this peculiar situation?"
"Well, if I have to say anything, I'd say fortune favors the bold". Austin grinned. "Our critics talked, our haters talked, but it doesn't matter, what matters is what we play on the pitch and we did the talking with our football today".
"Austin, you scooped another man of the match award again," this female reporter smiled for the first time. "How do you feel?"
Austin smiled back at her. "I feel great. It helps a lot when you have such a talented and understanding teammate helping you contest for the midfield battle".
"Honestly, with Sam, I feel that this team can do anything".
"Since you mentioned it, Samuel Moses, your team's newest signing and star, what do you have to say about the teenager?"
Hearing that question, Austin grinned cheekily, and then he leaned closer to the microphone. "Remember the name, Samuel Moses, the boy's destined for the top!"
The reporter chuckled. "Well, congratulations once again on your victory captain fantastic, do have a nice day".
"Thank you too, Ms. Reporter". Austin smiled.
And with that, a great champions league match day came to an end.
Enyimba FC were CAF Champions League semi-finalists.