Ikpeme Charges Edo Queens, Rangers, Others To Make Nigeria Proud In Africa

Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme MON, has charged Edo Queens, Enugu Rangers, Rivers United, Shooting Stars and El-Kanemi Warriors to fly Nigeria’s flag with pride as the five clubs begin their respective continental campaigns this weekend.

Edo Queens, the 2024 WAFU-B Women’s Champions League champions, will face Ghanaian side Ampem Darkoa in Saturday’s final in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, with the winners earning a place in this year’s CAF Women’s Champions League finals.

The Benin City-based side have been impressive on their route to the final, thrashing AS Garde Nationale of Niger Republic 7-0 and defeating ASEC Mimosas of Côte d’Ivoire 3-1 in the group stage before a 1-2 defeat to Ampem Darkoa. They bounced back strongly on Wednesday, routing hosts USFA of Burkina Faso 5-1 in the semi-final.

Ikpeme expressed confidence that Edo Queens have enough quality to avenge their group-stage defeat and lift the trophy.

‘I have no doubt in the capacity of each of the teams flying the country’s flag this weekend to make Nigeria proud. However, it is not going to be picnic-time against their equally well-prepared and ambitious opponents,’ he said.

In the CAF Champions League, Rivers United will begin their campaign away to FC San Pedro of Côte d’Ivoire in Abidjan, while Enugu Rangers will host SOBEMAP FC of Benin Republic at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta. Both matches are first-leg encounters in the first preliminary round.

The CAF Confederation Cup will also see Shooting Stars host Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, while El-Kanemi Warriors welcome Guinea’s Deportio Nationale at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

Ikpeme urged the four men’s clubs to approach their matches with determination as Nigeria seeks to re-establish itself among Africa’s leading forces in club football.

‘Rangers and Rivers United have the responsibility to start a new song for Nigeria in the CAF Champions League, which we have not won in the past 22 years,’ he said.

‘Shooting Stars and El-Kanemi Warriors should also take to the pitch at their different venues with gusto, focus, and positive energy. It is time that we begin the journey for a gradual return to the forefront of African club football competitions.’