Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs in CAF's interclub competitions suffered weekend disappointment as two of its four representatives were eliminated at the preliminary stage.
Both El-Kanemi Warriors and Remo Stars fell short in their second-leg matches, leaving Rangers as the sole Nigerian representative to advance to the next round.
El-Kanemi Warriors knocked out by FC Dadje
El-Kanemi Warriors, who qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup through the President’s Cup, faced a tough challenge against Benin’s FC Dadje.
In the first leg played in Ikenne, El-Kanemi managed a last-gasp equalizer to salvage a 1-1 draw, keeping their hopes alive.
However, the second leg in Cotonou proved to be more challenging.
FC Dadje took the lead in the 30th minute with a penalty converted by Bless Salassi.
Although Clement Naantum equalized for El-Kanemi, Salassi struck again heading in from a free-kick to seal a 2-1 victory for the Benin side, ending El-Kanemi's campaign.
NPFL champions Rangers struggle past FC Zilimadjou
Rangers, the reigning NPFL champions, faced FC Zilimadjou of the Comoros in what seemed like a straightforward tie, especially with both legs being played in Uyo, Nigeria.
Despite the home advantage, Rangers were pushed to their limits.
The first leg, considered an ‘away' game for Rangers, ended in a 1-0 victory courtesy of Frank Uwumiro’s 22nd-minute strike.
In the return leg, Rangers went ahead again with a penalty converted by Kenechukwu Agu in the 79th minute.
There was more drama to come as Mohamed Yousouf equalized for Zilimadjou six minutes later, creating a tense finale.
Rangers managed to hold on for a 2-1 aggregate win, advancing to face Angolan side Sagrada Esperança for a place in the CAF Champions League group stage.
Remo Stars' preliminary round misfortune continues
Remo Stars once again failed to break their preliminary round jinx in CAF competitions, suffering a 3-2 aggregate defeat to Moroccan side AS FAR.
Despite a promising 2-1 home victory in the first leg, with goals from Charles Nduka and Ismail Sodiq, the 2024 NPFL runners-up were unable to maintain their advantage in Rabat.
In the return leg, Joel Beya’s second goal of the tie in the 53rd minute levelled the aggregate score.
A late penalty by Amine Zouhzouh in the 80th minute sealed Remo Stars' fate, condemning them to an early exit from the CAF Champions League.
Enyimba eyes CAF Champions League group stage spot
Enyimba, the only NPFL team left in the CAF Confederation Cup, received a bye in the preliminary round and will begin their campaign in the next stage.
They will begin their quest in the next round, which starts in September.
The Aba-based club is set to face Etoile Filante of Burkina Faso, aiming for a spot in the group stage of the competition.
