Nigerian clubs recorded contrasting results in the CAF inter-club competitions on Sunday, with Rangers International held to a 1-1 draw by AS SOBEMAP, while El-Kanemi Warriors secured an emphatic 3-0 victory over UDIB.
Rangers International were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against AS SOBEMAP of Benin Republic in the first leg of their CAF Champions League first preliminary round tie at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.
The Nigerian champions took the lead through defender Chidozie, who continued his impressive goalscoring form to give the Flying Antelopes the advantage. However, AS SOBEMAP fought back, with Emmanuel Ali restoring parity for the visitors and leaving Rangers frustrated after they failed to turn their home advantage into a first-leg victory.
The result means Rangers will need to secure a win in the return leg in Benin Republic to advance to the next round. Rangers are playing their continental home matches in Abeokuta due to the ongoing renovation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.
The second leg is scheduled for September 11, with coach Fidelis Ilechukwu and his players facing a crucial test away from home.
Meanwhile, El-Kanemi Warriors enjoyed a more successful outing in the CAF Confederation Cup, defeating União Desportiva Internacional de Bissau (UDIB) 3-0 in Ikenne. The Maiduguri-based side produced a dominant second-half performance after both teams went into the break goalless.
El-Kanemi eventually broke the deadlock after the restart before adding two more goals to complete a convincing victory. The 3-0 scoreline gives the Nigerian side a commanding advantage ahead of the second leg in Bissau next week.
El-Kanemi Warriors will now look to protect their three-goal cushion on the road and secure qualification for the next stage of the competition. While Rangers face a difficult battle in Benin Republic, El-Kanemi Warriors have put themselves in a strong position to progress, leaving Nigeria with mixed fortunes in Sunday’s CAF assignments.
