Champions League: Remo Stars and Rangers seek maximum points in Rabat and Uyo

Remo Stars captain Junior Nduka has described their CAF Champions League first round, first leg win over AS FAR of Morocco as winning a battle, while the war still lies ahead in the return leg on Sunday.

Nduka was a scorer and provider in their 2-1 win during the first leg in Ikenne on Sunday.

The captain headed home the opening goal in the first half before providing a sumptuous pass for Sodiq Ismail to score the winner with a super flying header in the second half.

Videos of Daniel Ogunmodede’s side in training ahead of the return leg have also hit the internet, with the Ikenne side simulating the boisterous atmosphere in North Africa with loud music during one of their night training sessions in Ikenne.

Remo Stars are playing in the preliminary stage of the CAF Champions League for the third consecutive season, and Nduka is aware of the herculean task they face to progress to the next round.

“On the overall team performance, I will just say we have won the battle but not the war,” the Remo Stars captain told Punch.

 “We know it won’t be easy in Morocco because the North Africans have a lot of antics, and they are very experienced. We are working to get a better result in Morocco. At the same time, we played a 1-1 draw the last time we faced them; I believe it’s possible again.”

The centre-back also reflected on being involved in both goals during the first leg alongside Super Eagles defender Sodiq Ismail.

“When I realised the two of us were involved in both goals, it was an amazing feeling for me. The two of us came from the youth team, so seeing our progress makes me feel better. It is also our first goal on the continent,” he added.     

Also, despite securing a 1-0 win in the first leg of their CAF Champions League first-round preliminary tie against Zilimadjou FC of Comoros, Enugu Rangers coach

Fidelis Ilechukwu believes the game is still evenly balanced heading into the return leg at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Friday.

 Uwumiro Frank’s 22nd-minute goal gave the Nigerian a win in the first leg played on Sunday at the same venue.

Both sides adopted the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, for their CAF Champions League games after their respective stadiums failed to meet CAF’s approval.

The Comoros side was the home team during the first leg, and Ilechukwu believes the Flying Antelopes must up the ante if their second meeting will guarantee their progress into the second round.

“We are not sleeping because we wanted to finish the game in the first leg, but as it stands, the game is still open; it’s still 50/50, so we want to do everything to advance to the next round,” Ilechukwu told Punch.

“Surprisingly, they mastered the pitch, and thank God we were able to settle down as quickly as possible too.”

The Enugu Rangers coach also reflected on their 1-0 win during the first leg and hailed the qualities of their opponents.

“We had a lot of chances we didn’t take, and we are working tirelessly to be better in the second leg. Our opponents came out in the second half when they saw our struggle to convert chances in the first leg. They are a very good side, very physical, and they showed quality in strength, and their players have pace too.”