Confederation Cup: Horoya complains about Enyimba’s reception

The first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals is set for Sunday, with Horoya AC traveling to Nigeria to face Enyimba in Aba. The Guinean champions, however, have expressed frustration over the conditions they have encountered since their arrival, highlighting ongoing challenges in hosting standards for continental competitions.

Horoya arrived in Nigeria on Wednesday to begin preparations for the crucial tie. For their training sessions, the team was allocated a vacant lot within a school complex, which reportedly offered very limited facilities. Images circulating from the site revealed a pitch completely devoid of grass, raising concerns about player safety and the adequacy of training conditions ahead of a high-stakes CAF match. The situation has sparked debate about the responsibilities of host clubs and the quality of arrangements provided to visiting teams.

Enyimba has responded to the criticism, defending their actions by referencing CAF competition regulations. According to the rules, visiting teams are responsible for their own training arrangements prior to the match, while access to the official stadium is only granted 24 hours before kickoff. The Nigerian club emphasized that they have complied with these requirements, suggesting that the responsibility for training conditions lies largely with the visiting team rather than the hosts.

Despite these clarifications, the episode underscores broader issues that persist in African club competitions. Adequate facilities for visiting teams remain a frequent concern, with reports of substandard pitches, limited equipment, and logistical shortcomings appearing in various tournaments. CAF has repeatedly highlighted the need for improvements in stadium and training standards, but incidents such as Horoya’s experience indicate that challenges persist, particularly in ensuring consistent quality across all member associations.

For Horoya, the conditions represent an additional hurdle ahead of an important quarter-final match. The team must adapt quickly to the available training environment while maintaining focus on tactical preparation and player fitness. Such challenges test the resilience and professionalism of visiting squads, requiring careful planning and flexibility to ensure optimal performance despite less-than-ideal circumstances.

The upcoming first-leg clash promises to be competitive, with both teams eager to secure a decisive advantage. While the focus will ultimately be on the performance on the pitch, the training and logistical conditions leading up to the match have highlighted lingering concerns about the organization of away fixtures in African club competitions. CAF continues to face pressure to enforce minimum standards and ensure that visiting teams are provided with suitable facilities to prepare for matches safely and effectively.

As preparations continue, all attention will be on how Horoya responds to these challenges and whether Enyimba can translate their home advantage into a positive result. The outcome of this tie will be crucial for both clubs as they aim to progress further in the CAF Confederation Cup, making it essential for both sides to manage both on-field performance and off-field conditions effectively.