BY MONICA IHEAKAM
NPFL hotshot Godwin Obaje will not feature in the early rounds of the CAF Confederation Cup as he was not registered for the competition, Ifeanyiubah coach Yaw Preko has disclosed.
Ifeanyiubah host Al Masry of Egypt in a CAF Confederation Cup first round first leg match on Sunday at the club’s stadium in Nnewi, but without star signing Obaje.
“Obaje is not registered for the continental matches, so he will not be available for selection on Sunday”, Preko said.
Obaje joined ‘The Anambra Warriors’ after the close of registration for the continental showpiece following a failed move to Tunisia.
Obaje scored 18 goals last season to emerge as the top striker in the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.
The former Wikki Tourists forward made his ‘Anambra Warriors’ debut in the 1-0 defeat of Enugu Rangers in Sunday’s ‘Oriental Derby’, which the hosts won 1-0. He played for 45 minutes before he was substituted.
Coach Preko also disclosed that striker Jimoh Oni, who linked up with the 2016 Federation Cup winners from now relegated Heartland during the mid-season of the 2012015/2016 season is also ruled out of the tie.
“Jimoh picked up an injury during the match against Enugu Rangers. So, he will not be available for the match on Sunday”, Preko added with an air of disappointment.