Continental Round-Up: Permutations Ahead of Second Leg Ties/ First Leg Review

Over the weekend, three Nigerian clubs – Nigeria Premier League Champions, Rangers International, Runners-up, Remo Stars, Federation Cup Champions, El-Kanemi Warriors – were in football action on the continent.

The former two emerged victorious, while the latter settled for a draw. El-Kanemi Warriors kicked off the action in Saturday’s encounter against Dadje FC of Benin in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The newly promoted NPFL side who picked a continental slot through their Federation Cup triumph, had to settle for a draw against the Benin outfit – A draw which Coach, Zubairu Aliyu, attributed to the lack of competitive friendlies.

“It is not good to be using a competition proper to know the weakness of your team,” Aliyu stated, expressing his frustration at having to identify weaknesses during the competition rather than in preseason friendlies.”

On Sunday, Nigerian champions, Rangers International, began the Champions League action in Uyo, an hour before Remo Stars took to the pitch at their home stadium in Ogun State.

Rangers put themselves in an advantageous position as Frank Uwumiro scored in the 22nd minute of the encounter, giving them an important away goal and victory as they held on for dear life unto the lead, till the blast of the final whistle, despite US Zilimadjou’s efforts to restore parity.

As at the time Rangers were assured victory, Remo Stars were in search of a match winner.

The Sky Blue Stars had broken the deadlock in the 18th minute through Captain, Nduka Junior heading home the ball courtesy of a mouthwatering cross off the freekick, from the far end, by the Super Eagles wingback, Ismail Sodiq – the first Remo first-half goal in five continental matches.

In the second half, AS FAR equalised through Joel Boya’s header in the 50th minute. Nduka Junior who opened scoring in the encounter, returned the favour as he set up Ismail Sodiq for the winner, causing the wingback to float into space for the header, sealing the victory for his side.

All three Nigerian teams will look to build on the victories/ draw in the second leg, aiming to advance in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.

El-Kanemi Warriors need a win or get a high-scoring away draw to guarantee progress, seeing as the Benin side has an away goal.

Remo Stars who also conceded an away goal, can exit the competition with a 1-0 loss, so to advance, they would need a win or at least a draw.

Rangers International being the only Nigerian side to score an away goal and not concede, have the highest chance of advancing, provided they get a victory at home and avoid conceding more than one.