All four of Nigeria’s cluubs in continental competitions will be in action this weekend, ahead of which they have been warned that they must not expect any picnic from their fixtures in the CAF Champions League as well as Confederation Cup, Sports247 reports.
Rangers International of Enugu and Rivers United of Port Harcourt will both feature in this season’s CAF Champions League, while Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan and El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri line out in the second-tier Confederation Cup.
Rivers United start away to San Pedro FC of Cote d’Ivoire in the African elite clubs’ money spinning league, while Rangers will seek comfort at ‘home’ versus SOBEMAP FC of Benin Republic at MKO Abiola Stadium in Ogun State capital, Abeokuta.
On the other hand, 3SC will be up against CS Sfaxien of Tunisia also at the arena in Abeokuta, while El-Kanemi confront Deportivo Nationale of Guinea few kilometres away from The Rock City, as they play their home games at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
As three of the country’s continental campaigners feature at home and only one plays away this weekend, the acting general secretary of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Emmauel Ikpeme expressed confidence in their ability to start well and make their fans happy.
However, while declaring that all four clubs have the capacity to hold their own against their opponents, Ikpeme warned them that none of the games can be regarded as a pinic, whether home or away, and regardless of the opponent they come up against.
“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. Shooting Stars and El-Kanemi Warriors should also take to the pitch at their different venues with gusto, focus and positive energy.
“I have no doubt in the capacity of each of the teams flying the country’s flag this weekend to make Nigeria proud. It is time that we begin the journey for a gradual return to the forefront of African club football competitions.
“However, it is not going to be picnic-time against their equally well-prepared and ambitious opponents,” Ikpeme declared ahead of the upcoming first leg matches in the opening preliminary rounds of both continental competitions.
