No team is small anymore — Nigerian champions wary of tiny island nation in shock CAF Champions League draw

Rangers International lift the 2023/24 NPFL season. (Photo Credit: OgaNla Media/X)

No team is small anymore — Nigerian champions wary of tiny island nation in shock CAF Champions League draw

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 12:23 - 13.07.2024

Nigerian champions Enugu Rangers face Comoros in a tricky CAF Champions League draw.

The coach of NPFL champions Enugu Rangers, Fidelis Ilechukwu, has warned his side to take nothing for granted against minnows US Zilimadjou of Comoros in the CAF Champions League, CAFCL.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Rangers and the Comoros side were drawn to face off in the preliminary round of the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League.

Nigerian Champions face tricky island team

Ilechukwu and Rangers will travel to the Comoros capital Moroni for the first leg in mid-August next year, before hosting the return fixture a week later.

And the enigmatic manager, fondly referred to as ‘The Building One, who recently claimed his first title as a coach, is leaving nothing to chance ahead of that clash.

Rangers International are NIgerian champions.
Rangers International are NIgerian champions. (Photo Credit: OgaNla Media/X)

No team is a small team in the continent anymore,' Ilechukwu cautioned. 'We respect our opponent and will give our preparations all the attention it deserves.'

The Nigerian champions ended an eight-year wait for the league title when the Flying Antelopes finished the 2023/2024 season top of the table with 70 points, scoring 56 goals in the process.

Rangers manager Fidelis Ilechukwu won his first league title.
Rangers manager Fidelis Ilechukwu won his first league title. (Photo Credit: Rangers/X)

Rangers were crowned in stunning fashion after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Gombe United on the final day of the season.

The Flying Antelopes wrapped up the title in style with a hard-fought away win against relegated Gombe United in Jos on Sunday, with young stars Kazeem Ogunleye and Godwin Obaje the heroes of the day.

Enugu Rangers fans savour their NPFL win.
Enugu Rangers fans savour their NPFL win.

It's Rangers' first league crown in eight years and their eighth NPFL title overall, cementing their status as one of the most successful clubs in Nigerian football history, only behind bitter rivals Enyimba.

But coach Ilechukwu knows they will need to be at their best to avoid a humiliating early exit from Africa's premier club competition like their domestic rivals Enyimba last season.

We are still building this team,' he admitted. 'But we must be up and doing to ensure we make an impact in the continental championship.'

All eyes will be on this David vs Goliath clash as the minnows of Comoros look to take down the might of Nigerian football.

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