Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, has urged Nigeria’s representatives in this weekend’s continental competitions to deliver strong performances and make the country proud.
Ikpeme expressed confidence in the ability of Edo Queens, Enugu Rangers, Rivers United, Shooting Stars and El-Kanemi Warriors to secure positive results against their respective opponents.
Edo Queens, the 2024 WAFU-B Women’s Champions League winners, will face Ghanaian champions Ampem Darkoa in the final of the competition in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on Saturday. A victory would secure Nigeria’s representatives a place in the CAF Women’s Champions League finals.
In the CAF Champions League, Rivers United and Enugu Rangers are set to begin their campaigns in the first preliminary round. Rivers United will travel to Abidjan to face Ivorian club FC San Pedro, while Rangers will host SOBEMAP FC of Benin Republic at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.
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Meanwhile, Shooting Stars will welcome Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien in a CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary-round, first-leg encounter, while El-Kanemi Warriors will face Guinea’s Deportivo Nationale at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
Ikpeme acknowledged that the Nigerian clubs face well-prepared opponents but urged them to approach their respective matches with determination, focus and confidence.
He particularly challenged Rangers and Rivers United to help end Nigeria’s long wait for continental success in the CAF Champions League, noting that the country has not won the competition in 22 years.
Edo Queens have already demonstrated impressive form in Burkina Faso, recording victories over AS Garde Nationale and ASEC Mimosas before defeating hosts USFA 5-1 in the semi-final.
Ikpeme believes the Nigerian representatives have what it takes to produce memorable results and begin a gradual return to the forefront of African club football.
