Edet Ikotidem
Rangers International F.C. of Enugu has arrived in Uyo, the capital of Akwa-Ibom State, to prepare for their upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2024/2025 first leg, first preliminary round fixture against U.S. Zilimadjou from the Comoros Islands.
The match is set to take place on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Rangers’ Return to Continental Football
The delegation, comprising 26 players, coaches, backroom staff, and top management officials, landed safely in Uyo on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.
This marks Rangers’ return to continental football after a four-season hiatus, and the team is determined to make a strong impression.
The team is led by their double award-winning coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, who has instilled a high level of confidence and determination within the squad.
The players are eager to defend the club’s badge and represent Nigeria with pride on the continental stage.
Also read: Akwa United Begin Preparation for 2024/2025 NPFL Season
Rangers have been engaged in an intense three-week training regime in Enugu, under the watchful eyes of coach Ilechukwu and his coaching staff.
The rigorous preparations are aimed at ensuring the team is in peak condition to face the Comoros league champions, who have also arrived in Nigeria for the fixture.
The captain of the ‘Flying Antelopes,’ Ugwueze Chinemerem, expressed optimism about the team’s chances in the upcoming match.
He acknowledged the quality of their opponents but emphasized that Rangers are prepared to do the needful on the field. “We respect our opponent but we shall do the needful, by God’s special grace, on the field of play. We have intensified our training since the preparation for the new season started and with the level of motivation in our team, we shall come out with a good result,” Chinemerem said.
Assistant captain and goalkeeper, Opubo Japhet, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the team has what it takes to secure a favorable result. Despite the limited knowledge about U.S. Zilimadjou, Japhet stressed the importance of respecting their opponents while sticking to Rangers’ game plan. “I believe we have all it takes to get a good result on Sunday in Uyo. Though not much is known about our opponent, we give them their respect as the champions of Comoros but we have our game plans,” Japhet noted.
The fixture is expected to be an entertaining affair, with both teams eager to progress to the next round of the competition. The match will be played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, also known as the ‘Nest of Champions,’ with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 pm on Sunday, August 18, 2024.
Rangers’ supporters and fans of African football are eagerly anticipating the clash, as the Nigerian side looks to secure a solid result ahead of the return leg, which will also be played at the same venue on Friday, August 23, 2024.
This fixture marks the beginning of Rangers’ journey in the CAF Champions League, and the team is fully focused on making it a successful one. With the level of preparation and determination within the squad, Rangers are poised to make a strong statement in their return to continental competition.
