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Etoile and Enyimba in Abuja

NIGERIAN side Enyimba have retained the African Champions League with a 5-3 penalty victory over Etoile Sahel of Tunisia in Abuja, becoming the first side in 36 years to retain the Champions League.

Captain Obinna Nwaneri scored the vital fifth penalty that secured their win after Etoile's Sabeur Ben Frej saw his spot-kick saved by substitute goalkeeper Dele Aiyenugba.

The second leg of the final had finished 2-1 to Enyimba -- who were playing in Abuja after the tie was switched from Aba following security concerns -- making the aggregate score 3-3.

Enyimba's Emeka Nwanna thought he had opened the scoring on the 39th minute, but was ruled offside.

But there was no mistake four minutes later when goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama scored with a penalty on 43 minutes.

He blasted home after Tunisian defender Mohamed Miladi seemed to block a shot at goal with his hand.

The Tunisians reacted angrily to the decision, but referee Bonaventure Codja Coffi was firm and booked Etoile captain Baya for over-protesting.

Enyimba then doubled their lead within eight minutes of half time. Ogunbiyi steered home with a left-footed shot from close range, giving Enyimba a potentially decisive advantage.

However, that was cancelled out just 10 minutes later. Etoile made the tie all square on aggregate as defender Zouaghi headed home from Baya's free kick on 63 minutes.

The kick came as Obiakor attempted to dribble his way through the Enyimba defence. He appeared lucky to get the decision after minimal contact with Nwaneri.

The match then remained tied, although Enyimba's Udeh saw a header well saved on 89 minutes which could have wrapped the tie up without the need for penalties.

However, with no extra time the match went straight into spot-kicks.

Anticipating this, Enyimba substituted Enyeama for penalty specialist Dele Aiyenugba, a tactic that had worked previously against another Tunisian side, Esperance.

And here it worked again, as Aiyenugba spectacularly saved Ben Frej's kick with penalties at 2-1 to Enyimba.

Enyimba then scored all their remaining kicks.