El Kanemi chairman: Roads to Maiduguri are safe for clubs

Chairman El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri, Zana Mala Mohammed Kakaje, has declared Maiduguri as a 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 clubs coming to in Maiduguri, adding that the entire people keep close watch on all teams as they are greatly concerned about their well being while in the city. 

Kakaje said his club had made extra budget provision for security of teams playing in Maiduguri.

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

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

Speaking on his club's ambition, Kakaje said El Kanemi 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.