Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan and Rangers International of Enugu have received divergent verdicts heading into the second legs of their preliminary round fixtures in the African continental competitions.
Sports247 reports that, while Shooting Stars defeated visiting CS Sfaxien of Tunisia by a lone goal in the CAF Confederation Cup, Rangers settled for a 1-1 draw at home against their first round opponents from Benin Republic in the Champions League.
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Both results continue drawing varied reactions from football observers all across the country and the acting general-secretary of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme has added his view, saying he believes in 3SC, but admitted Rangers need prayers.
While analysing the chances of both teams, Ikpeme also commended Rivers United of Port Harcourt for their 1-1 draw away to FC San Pedro of Cote d’Ivoire in their CAF Champions League first preliminary, first leg encounter in Abidjan on Saturday.
He also praised CAF Confederation Cup hopefuls El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri and 3SC for winning their games, but submitted that The Flying Antelopes’ inability to win at home was the only setback that hit Nigeria.
“We monitored all the matches and noticed their efforts. We believe Shooting Stars have the quality to withstand anything that CS Sfaxien may throw at them during the return leg in Tunisia.
“We are also using this opportunity to encourage Enugu Rangers to go to Benin Republic and get the result that will see them qualify for the second round. El-Kanemi Warriors got a handsome win but they should not rest on their oars.
“They should go to Guinea Bissau and play their hearts out to gain even more confidence ahead of the second-round matches,” Ikpeme submitted, while expressing hope of seeing them all qualify for the next round.
