NPFL clubs are back on the continental stage this weekend, with Enugu Rangers flying the flag in the CAF Champions League and Enyimba kicking off their campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Here is a preview of their respective first leg fixtures, both of which take place on Friday 13 September.
Enugu Rangers set for Esperança Sagrada in CAF CL
After squeezing past US Zilimadjou of the Comoros in the first round by a 2-1 aggregate score, Rangers now face a stiffer challenge as they aim for a spot in the group stage.
The second leg, played in the same venue, saw Rangers held to a 1-1 draw, but the slim margin was enough to push them through to the next round.
Despite the close contest against Zilimadjou, Rangers’ centre-back Ifeanyi Onyebuchi is optimistic about his team's chances against Esperança Sagrada of Angola.
He highlighted the team's intense preparations and expressed confidence that they are ready for the challenge.
“We are fully prepared. We have been working hard ahead of this encounter, and I believe that by Friday, victory shall be ours by the special grace of God,” Onyebuchi said.
He also acknowledged the importance of converting their chances in this crucial stage of the competition.
“We understand that goals win matches, especially at this stage of the competition, and we have been working very hard at training to ensure that we convert our chances against our opponent, who we understand is not a small team, just like us,” Onyebuchi added.
As Rangers go into this fixture, the defender emphasized their confidence and self-belief, stating that the team is focused on securing a group stage ticket after the two-legged tie.
Rangers have a strong history against Angolan sides, having played six times, winning four, drawing once, and losing just once.
This historical advantage will give them a psychological boost as they prepare to face Esperança Sagrada at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo this Friday.
CAF CC: Enyimba travel to Bamako for Etoile Filante
While Rangers are at home in Uyo, two-time CAF Champions League winners Enyimba are on the road, traveling to Bamako to face Burkina Faso side Etoile Filante de Ouagadougou, who have adopted the Malian capital as their home base.
Enyimba were given a bye in the first round, allowing them to directly enter this stage of the CAF Confederations Cup
Their last encounter with Etoile Filante was back in 2002 during the Champions League. Enyimba dominated the first leg, winning 4-0 at home, but were stunned by a 3-1 loss in the reverse fixture.
However, they advanced 5-3 on aggregate.
Enyimba coach Daniel Olanrewaju admitted that his team lacks detailed knowledge about their opponents but emphasized that Enyimba’s work ethic and club culture will drive them forward.
“We don’t really have much information about them, but we know they must have been following us. This is Enyimba FC. I know what the club stands for and represents,” Olanrewaju stated.
The coach also stressed that complacency is not part of Enyimba's culture. “You don’t win yesterday and be celebrating and forget you have to win the next game.
“This is the attitude and the culture of the club. This is not a club where, when you win a match, you are happy and carried away. You must win always.
“We go there and fight to represent the club and hope for a good result.”
Enyimba will take on Etoile Filante at the Stade Mamadou Konate in Bamako on Friday, the same day Rangers face Esperança Sagrada in Uyo.
