As Enyimba readies themselves for the second leg of the Champions League first round clash against Buffles du Borgou FC of Benin Republic one player who Kadiri Ikhana will be arms-outstretched and praying for his fitness is defensive midfielder Rasheed Olabiyi.
Olabiyi missed that first leg in Aba not due to injury but because he was severely lacking in match fitness. He probably was the last senior player to return to camp this season and hence there was
very little time to be ready for that encounter. It did not matter in the end because despite using Sikiru Kamal in Olabiyi's position (with Chima Uluocha injured and Razak Aliyu picking his own injury warm up), Enyimba still gave a good account of themselves. 3 goals and a clean sheet; just what the doctor would have ordered.
For this game, Enyimba would surely love to have their very best legs out there and that is why hopes are that Olabiyi for one would be ready for the game. No doubt a 3-0 lead is a healthy advantage heading into the second leg and judging from their showing two weeks ago, Buffles are hardly a bunch to be scared of but it would be wrong to judge them primarily on that performance. They were supposed to arrive Aba on the Thursday but they arrived Saturday night a day to their encounter and their poor preparation was evident during the game. However we also saw how dangerous they could be going forward when they went they attacked in the second half, Idris Aloma clearing a chance off the line.
Olabiyi is the most disciplined of Enyimba's defensive midfielders. He shields the ball very well and he is a good passer too. Unlike the more physically imposing Razak Aliyu, who can be guilty of conceding free kicks around the area, Olabiyi relies more on his positional discipline and expert reading of the play to make vital interceptions. You can rely on Olabiyi's calmness and ability to break up opposition play and he must be at his best in Benin Republic at the weekend. Another plus is the fact that he is also dangerous from long range shots outside the area as we saw several times last season.
Olabiyi roars
Kadiri Ikhana will most likely play five defenders as he usually prefers on away fixtures and this means we could see one striker drop to the bench. Olabiyi will be required to sit in front of the Enyimba back four or five in this case. Will Enyimba go all defensive? I think so. Soak up the pressure and rely on an occasional counter attack with either Etor, Bassey, Abalogu or Amanfor on the flanks.
Olabiyi was initially touted as a regular central midfielder and that has helped him excel in the holding role as a good outlet for the ball out of the defence in tight conditions. If Enyimba's midfielders are unable to retain possession when they have it, their defence will time and time again be under pressure.
Make no mistakes about it, Buffles will not be rolling out a red carpet to welcome Enyimba at the weekend and the fans of course will aid in making it as hostile an atmosphere as possible. In fact one of the players in an interview after the game actually promised that they will overturn the deficit.
So we expect attack, attack, attack from the home side when the two sides meet on Saturday which is why for this game, being frugal with possession will be essential and Enyimba needs her longest serving player to be ready for this. His eight years playing at the top level for Enyimba will be put to test as well as his ability to guide his younger and lesser experienced teammates. Will they concede? I believe so but they should do enough to go through to the next round.
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