Continental Challenges: Ikpeme charges Edo Queens, Rangers, others to do Nigeria proud

 
Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr. Emmauel Ikpeme MON, on Thursday expressed confidence in the capacities of WAFU-B Women’s Champions League finalists Edo Queens and the four Clubs flying Nigeria’s flag in continental competitions this weekend to fight hard for the badge and make the nation proud.

Edo Queens, 2024 winners of the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League, will take on Ampem Darkoa of Ghana in the competition’s final in Ouagadougou (capital of Burkina Faso), with the winner guaranteed a spot in this year’s CAF Women’s Champions League finals.

In CAF Club competitions, Enugu Rangers and Rivers United FC will begin their campaigns in this year’s Champions League competition with United away to FC San Pedro of Cote d’Ivoire in Abidjan, while Enugu Rangers lock horns with SOBEMAP FC of Benin Republic at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta. Both are first preliminary round, first leg matches.

In the CAF Confederation Cup, Shooting Stars Sports Club are up against CS Sfaxien of Tunisia in another first preliminary round, first leg match at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, while El-Kanemi Warriors confront Deportio Nationale of Guinea at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

“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.

“Edo Queens have done very well to get to the final, and I believe they have enough left in their tank to deliver the goods against their Ghanaian opponents and bring the trophy to Nigeria.

“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. 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.”

Edo Queens hammered AS Garde Nationale of Niger Republic 7-0 and defeated ASEC Mimosas of Cote d’Ivoire 3-1 before losing 1-2 to Ampem Darkoa in their final group phase game.

On Wednesday, they routed USFA of Burkina Faso 5-1 in their first semi-final, and will again face Ampem Darkoa in Saturday’s final at the Stade August 4.