Strange reason why NPFL champions Rangers will not travel for CAF Champions League

Published on by Andrew Randa

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.

CAF Champions League: Why NPFL champions Rangers will not travel
Photo by IMAGO

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.

CAF Champions League: Why NPFL champions Rangers will not travel
Photo by IMAGO

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.

Strange reason why NPFL champions Rangers will not travel for CAF Champions League

Andrew Randa

Andrew Randa is a veteran Nigerian sports journalist with over 20 years of experience covering the beautiful game across Africa. Andrew served as a Media Officer for Nigeria's U-20 Men's National Team for three years, offering a unique perspective on the future stars of Nigerian football.

Beyond reporting, Andrew is a pioneer in sports graphics creation within Nigeria. His expertise extends to sports kit design, making him a true multi-faceted talent in the African sports landscape.

Andrew's experience is vast, with collaborations encompassing prestigious names like Kickoff, SuperSport, the NFF (Nigeria Football Federation), and the NPFL (Nigeria Professional Football League)