Rangers International pay tribute to fans ahead of Champions League return leg
Nigerian champions Enugu Rangers have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to their supporters following a crucial 1-0 victory over Zilimadjou in the first leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary round tie. The match, held in Uyo, saw the Flying Antelopes take an important step toward advancing in the competition, with the decisive goal coming from Uwumiro Frank in the 22nd minute.
This win marks a strong start for Nigerian clubs in this year’s continental competition, as fellow Nigerian side Remo Stars also secured a victory in their respective tie.
Despite dominating the match from start to finish, Enugu Rangers were unable to capitalize on several opportunities to extend their lead, leaving the tie delicately balanced ahead of the second leg. The team’s wastefulness in front of the goal could be a point of concern for head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu as they prepare for the return fixture, which will also be held in Uyo on Friday.
In the wake of their hard-fought victory, Enugu Rangers took to social media to pay tribute to their dedicated fans. The club’s message read: “To our incredible fans who journeyed to Uyo, your unwavering support fuels our fire. The love you’ve shown is massive, and we don’t take it for granted. Together, we rise, and together, we conquer. Thank you for being the heartbeat of this team.”
As the Flying Antelopes prepare for the second leg, they are fully aware that the job is far from finished. With only a single goal separating the two sides, the Nigerian champions will need to remain focused and improve their finishing to ensure their progression to the next round of the CAF Champions League.
The success of both Enugu Rangers and Remo Stars in their opening fixtures is a positive sign for Nigerian football on the continental stage. Fans of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) will be eagerly awaiting the second leg matches to see if these results can be built upon and whether Nigerian clubs can continue their strong showing in the competition.
