As the new CAF competition season unfolds, Nigerian teams face mixed fortunes. Unfortunately, there will be no Nigerian representation in the CAF Champions League this season following the elimination of Rangers International FC by Angolan side Sagrada Esperança.
Aba side, Enyimba, will however hoist Nigeria's flag in the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Rangers' disheartening exit
On Sunday night in Luanda, Rangers faced a challenging task, having won the first leg of their tie 1-0 in Uyo.
However, the Nigerian side could not hold onto their lead, succumbing to a 3-1 defeat on the night and exiting the competition with a 3-2 aggregate score.
Sagrada Esperança took control of the match early on, with Alexandre Fernando scoring the opener in the 6th minute, followed swiftly by Mussa’s goal that doubled their lead before half-time.
Rangers struggled to find their rhythm and were left scrambling defensively, as Sagrada's relentless attacks put them under immense pressure.
Despite their struggles, Rangers managed to pull one back in the 37th minute, reigniting hope for their fans. However, that hope was short-lived.
Just when it seemed they might mount a comeback, Sagrada struck again, scoring a crucial third goal that ultimately sealed Rangers’ fate and dashed their dreams of progressing in the tournament.
With Rangers eliminated, it is a disappointing start for Nigerian football in this year’s Champions League.
Remo Stars, the other Nigerian representative in the earlier rounds, had also exited the competition after falling to Moroccan giants AS FAR.
Enyimba earn CAF Confederations Cup group stage slot
In stark contrast, Enyimba FC managed to navigate their way into the group stage of the CAF Confederations Cup, showcasing resilience in a tense encounter against Burkina Faso’s Etoile Filante.
The match ended goalless after regulation time, leading to a penalty shootout to determine who would advance.
Enyimba struggled to break down the Etoile Filante defence throughout the match, missing a series of golden opportunities.
Key players Clinton Jephta and Ufere Chinedu were notably guilty of squandering chances that could have changed the course of the tie.
With the first leg also ending in a stalemate, the stage was set for a dramatic penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Enyimba displayed composure as they converted their first two spot kicks, capitalising on an early miss from Etoile Filante.
However, the Nigerian side’s momentum faltered as they missed their next two attempts but, fortune smiled on Enyimba as Etoile Filante faltered too, missing two of their remaining three penalties.
Ultimately, Enyimba triumphed, advancing to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.
