2024 President’s Federation Cup Champions, Elkanemi Warriors were held to a 1-1 draw by visiting Dadje FC of Benin in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round fixture on Saturday at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
Substitute, Gimba Ajiji scored a stoppage-time equalizer for Elkanemi Warriors, canceling out Selasie Bakai’s first-half goal for the visitors. Elkanemi, who recently returned to the Nigerian top-flight league had a shaky start against the Benin side. Coach Aliyu Zubairu fielded new signings Barnabas Daniel and Clement Naantuam in attack, with Mohammed Aminu in midfield and Abine George as the goalkeeper.
The visitors dominated early on, controlling possession and limiting Elkanemi’s chances. Dadje FC capitalized on a swift counterattack just before the half-hour mark, with Bakai slotting home to give the Benin side the lead after a penalty appeal was not given.
Elkanemi Warriors struggled to break through Dadje’s defense, with key players like Barnabas, Naantuam, and Cup hero Nasiru Salihu failing to find the back of the net. The score remained 1-0 at halftime.
In the second half, Elkanemi intensified their efforts but continued to squander clear opportunities, with Nasiru notably hitting the woodwork. Coach Zubairu made key substitutions, bringing on Taheer Abubakar, Sulyman Alabi, and Gimba Ajiji to bolster the attack.
Their persistence paid off in the final moments of the match when Ajiji headed home a cross from Usman Abbas, salvaging a draw for the Warriors. The result gives Dadje FC a slight advantage with an away goal as they prepare to host the second leg of the fixture next weekend.
