Enugu Rangers, the reigning champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), are set to kick off their CAF Champions League campaign with a first-leg encounter against U.S. Zilimadjou from the Comoros.
The match is scheduled for Sunday, 18 August 2024, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Rangers, under the leadership of head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, have already arrived in Uyo with a 26-man squad accompanied by officials and management staff.
U.S. Zilimadjou also touched down in Nigeria on Wednesday, signaling their readiness for the clash against the Nigerian champions.
Rangers have been able to register new players on time for the clash as they seek to make it to the group stage of Africa's most prestigious club football competition.
Comoros side Zilimadjou to play CAF Champions League return leg in Nigeria
In an unusual twist, both legs of this preliminary round fixture will be played in Uyo, as no stadium in the Comoros met CAF’s approval for hosting continental matches.
As a result, U.S. Zilimadjou elected to play their “home” leg in Nigeria, with the second leg scheduled for Friday, 23 August 2024, again at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Rangers are making their return to continental football after a four-year hiatus, buoyed by their triumphant 2023/24 domestic season.
Ilechukwu, who brings valuable experience from his time with MFM and Plateau United, will be crucial to Rangers’ hopes of advancing.
Should Rangers successfully navigate past Zilimadjou, they will face the winner of the tie between St. Louis of Seychelles and Segrada Esperança of Angola for a coveted spot in the group stage of the CAF Champions League.