Over the weekend, four Nigerian clubs were involved in continental actions and they had mixed results.
In the CAF Champions League, Rangers International held JS Saoura 1-1 in Algeria, setting up an easy return leg by the weekend. Before the match, the records were in the visitors favour wining 3 of their last 4 CAF Champions League matches against Algerian Teams. Bobby Clement cancelled out JS Saoura’s goal – all within 10 minutes. A scoreless draw is just enough for the Flying Antelopes in Enugu.
Rivers United held AS Real Bamako to a goalless draw in Mali. The Pride of Rivers must win in Port Harcourt over the weekend to progress to the first round of the CAF Champions League.
In the CAF Confederation Cup, FC IfeanyiUbah made their debut on the continent and needed an 88th minute goal from Tamen Medrano to secure a 1-0 first leg win over Al Masry of Egypt in Nnewi. The Anambra Warriors will need to do better in Egypt when they play the return leg. Always difficult to play North Africans in their base.
Wikki Tourists were the only Nigerian side that lost at the weekend. It was their third ever game on the continent and they lost 2-0 to RSLAF of Sierra Leone. When will Wikki win a game on the continent? By the weekend? The Bauchi based side must win 3-0 to secure a place in the first round of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Difficult for Wikki Tourists, dicey for FC IfeanyiUbah and Rivers United, comfortable for Rangers.
In the NPFL, Plateau United’s 8 match unbeaten run came to an end at the Nest of Champions as Akwa United defeated the table toppers 2-1. Plateau United remains 4 points ahead on the NPFL Table.
ABS FC gave Sunshine Stars a run for their money as they secured a 2-2 draw in Akure. Enyimba lost 1-0 away to Niger Tornadoes – regular. El-Kanemi Warriors run riot over Gombe United 3-0 in Maiduguri – a fortress. They extend their 100% record to 34 matches. Lobi Stars were held 0-0 by Katsina United in Makurdi after Goalkeeper John Lawrence missed a penalty. Nasarawa United were 3-1 winners over Abia Warriors. Exciting.
Time to run away.
SoccerGunz 