Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme MON, has charged Edo Queens and Nigeria’s four representatives in CAF club competitions to fight for the country’s badge this weekend and begin what he described as a gradual return to the forefront of African club football.
Ikpeme expressed confidence in the teams but warned that none of their assignments would be easy, with Edo Queens facing a familiar opponent in the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League final and four Nigerian clubs beginning their CAF campaigns.
“I have no doubt in the capacity of each of the teams flying the country’s flag this weekend to make Nigeria proud,” Ikpeme said.
“However, it is not going to be picnic-time against their equally well-prepared and ambitious opponents.”
The biggest assignment comes in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, where 2024 champions Edo Queens will face Ghanaian side Ampem Darkoa Ladies in Saturday’s WAFU-B final, with the winner securing the region’s ticket to the CAF Women’s Champions League finals.
Edo Queens have been impressive on their way to the final, thrashing AS Garde Nationale 7-0, defeating ASEC Mimosas 3-1 and then demolishing hosts USFA 5-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final.
However, Ampem Darkoa remain the only side to beat the Nigerian champions in the competition, winning their final Group B encounter 2-1 on August 30. Saturday’s showdown therefore presents Edo Queens with an immediate opportunity for revenge and continental qualification.
“Edo Queens have done very well to get to the final, and I believe they have enough left in their tank to deliver the goods against their Ghanaian opponents and bring the trophy to Nigeria,” Ikpeme added.
Attention will also turn to the CAF Champions League, where Rivers United travel to Abidjan to face FC San Pedro of Côte d’Ivoire, while Enugu Rangers host SOBEMAP FC of Benin Republic at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta, in first-leg preliminary-round fixtures.
In the CAF Confederation Cup, Shooting Stars will welcome Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien to the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, while El-Kanemi Warriors host Deportivo Nacional of Guinea at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
Ikpeme urged all four clubs to approach their matches with determination and discipline.
“Rangers and Rivers United have the responsibility to start a new song for Nigeria in the CAF Champions League, which we have not won in the past 22 years,” he said.
“Shooting Stars and El-Kanemi Warriors should also take to the pitch at their different venues with gusto, focus, and positive energy.”
The acting NFF chief believes success by the clubs could provide an important boost for Nigerian football at a time when the federation is undergoing a major transition following the recent mass resignations of its principal officers. Dr Ikpeme was subsequently appointed to oversee the NFF Secretariat on an interim basis.
“It is time that we begin the journey for a gradual return to the forefront of African club football competitions,” Ikpeme declared.
For Edo Queens, Rangers, Rivers United, Shooting Stars and El-Kanemi Warriors, that journey begins this weekend — with Nigeria watching.
