Enyimba chairman Nwankwo Kanu praised his players despite their defeat to Libya’s Al Ahly Benghazi in their CAF Champions League preliminary round first leg fixture on Sunday night.

The Nigeria Professional Football League champions lost the thrilling contest 4-3.

Chijioke Mbaoma, Eze Ekwutoziam, and Murphy Ndukwu were all on target for the People’s Elephant in the game.

Finidi George’s side looked to have earned a deserved draw from the game before Hamadi Gadallah scored a late winner for the home team.

Kanu, however, praised the players for their effort in the game despite the disappointing result.

“Our boys gave their all on the pitch today,” he told the club’s official website.

“They faced a formidable team and fought with determination and heart. The result might not have gone our way, but what matters is the effort and resilience shown by the boys.

“They did well, and I commend them,” Nwankwo stated.