El Kanemi Boss Says Visiting Teams Will Not Be Attacked By Dreaded Islamic Sect, Boko Haram

Chairman El-Kanemi Football Club of Maiduguri, Alhaji Zanhah Mala Mohammed Kakaje, has declared Maiduguri safe ground for visiting teams, stating that any team traveling to the city is not at risk of being attacked by Boko Haram terrorists.

The Borno State club chairman made this statement in Ibadan after watching Nigeria Professional Football League Week 12 match between Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) and Heartland FC of Owerri, stressing that his club would never handle the safety of his club opponents with levity.

He said the Borno State people love football and are always delighted to see footballers coming to play their darling team, adding that the entire people keep close watch on all Elkanemi opponents as they are greatly concerned about their well being while in the city.  

Kakaje said though his club had not much money, but it had made extra budget provision for security of teams playing against the Maiduguri based team.

He then commended the state government for giving moral and financial support to the team, while also thanking the League Management Company for reposing confidence in the club’s ability to ensure safety of lives of visiting teams.

The former Elkanemi defence marshal said the road to Maiduguri are safe as his team travels to every part of the country by road.

Speaking on his club’s ambition, Kakaje said Elkanemi would play to remain in the Premier League while waiting to grab any opportunity to secure an African club championship ticket.

“We are focused, we shall continue to play well against all the teams in the Premier League, if eventually we get continental ticket, we will be delighted, but we are not under pressure to play continental championship next season,” he said. 

Tunde Shamsudeen