Sudanese giants Al-Merreikh on Sunday arrived Abuja ahead of their CAF Champions League first round second leg fixture against Enyimba in Aba on Wednesday.
The North Africans, on arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, departed for Aba, venue of their encounter with the two-time African champions, by road.
Both clubs have been at loggerheads over the Sudanese team’s travel itinerary, with Al-Merreikh said to have reported Enyimba to the Confederation of African Football over their refusal to provide a flight for the team to Aba from Lagos.
Enyimba’s media officer, Zazi Bariza, however refuted the Sudanese claims.
“False allegation. Their embassy informed Enyimba FC that Al-Merreikh would arrive Port Harcourt (not Lagos) on a chartered flight. The hosts’ obligations begin at the visitors’ point of entry, meaning Enyimba’s responsibilities to the Al-Merreikh team begin at the moment they arrive at Port Harcourt,” he tweeted.
Al-Merreikh currently has the advantage going into the return leg after their 3-0 win a fortnight ago in Sudan, with Saif Terry scoring all three goals.
Enyimba will need to score at least four unreplied goals to see them qualify for the money-spinning group stage of the competition, while a loss will see them drop into the playoff round of the CAF Confederation Cup.