Enyimba’s Champions League ticket well-deserved – Bala

Enyimba forward, Reuben Bala has come out strongly to assert that the two-time African champions ably deserved the Caf Champions League ticket as result of the side’s second placement in the 2019/20 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

The 2019/20 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season was decided on a Points Per Game (PPG) format following the global outbreak of coronavirus pandemic.

The Aba side finished the season’s campaign in second spot behind Plateau United and both will hoist Nigeria’s flag in Africa’s first-tier interclub competition next year.

Bala said the team was determined to recreate the performances of the high-flying 2003 and 2004 team.

“Of course, we are happy finishing the league campaign on the second place which once again offered us another opportunity to take a shot at the Caf Champions League competition.

“It’s an achievement well deserved because that has been our cardinal objective from the start of the league campaign to finish top or pick a Caf Champions League ticket.

“Even though the opportunity came via the Points Per Games (PPG) format due to the disruptive activities of coronavirus crisis we were still well positioned to achieve the mark if the season had run its full course.

“For us the players it’s a dream come true and we are determined to make the best out of the wonderful opportunity.

“Last season we tried our best at the continent but could not reach the target we set for ourselves.

“This time around we are more than ever determined to ensure we recreate the glorious performances of 2003 and 2004.

“We are assuring our teeming supporters and Nigerians in general that we will give the country qualitative representation in Africa.

“All the players are excited with the development and ready to stay back to fight for the side’s success in the upcoming season,” said the former Plateau United prolific goal poacher.

Bala assured of his renewed commitment to the course of the club in the upcoming league season.

“Yea, I’m still with the club for next season, I have an unfinished agenda, I still have at least a season’s contract with the club.

“Majority of my teammates, too, has running contract and would be more excited to stay back and add their own quota to the club’s dream to excel on the continent and domestic scene,” said the lanky striker.

The League Management Company (LMC) adopted the PPG format to end the 2019/20 NPFL season when it became obvious that the season could not be completed on the field of play due to the rampaging outbreak of coronavirus pandemic.