NIGERIAN CLUBS SHINE AND STUMBLE IN CONTINENTAL FOOTBALL BATTLES

By: Gyang Dakwo

Nigerian clubs returned to continental action over the weekend, and the results brought both joy and heartbreak.

Remo Stars and Rivers United managed to hold their ground, but Kwara United and Abia Warriors could not find the full reward for their efforts.

In Abeokuta, Remo Stars played in their temporary home and gave their supporters plenty to cheer about. The NPFL champions swept aside Comoros side Zilimadjou with a 4-0 win in the Champions League preliminary round.

Leonard Ngenge scored the opener after just 12 minutes with a calm finish, and Chigozie Shileku doubled the lead shortly before the break. Malian forward Adama Goita added the third midway through the second half, and Samson Olasupo came off the bench to seal the victory with a fourth goal.

It was not only the club’s biggest win in continental football, but it also stood out as the largest by any Nigerian side in Africa in the last three years.

Rivers United began their Confederation Cup campaign in Brazzaville against Aigles du Congo. The Pride of Rivers created chances and kept pressing, but they could not break down the Congolese defence, so the game ended goalless.

Stanley Eguma’s men also kept things tight at the back, and the contest remained balanced. Since the away goals rule is still in use in CAF competitions, Rivers United must win the return leg in Uyo to avoid another early elimination.

Over in Accra, Kwara United were involved in a thrilling contest but lost 4-3 to Ghana’s Asante Kotoko in the Confederation Cup. Emmanuel Antwi put Kotoko ahead, but Johnmark Atule quickly replied with an equaliser. Albert Amoah restored the hosts’ lead, and Atule struck again to make it 2-2 before half time

After the restart, Joseph Ablorh and Amoah from the penalty spot stretched Kotoko’s advantage, but Kwara kept fighting. Abdulraheem Shola scored late on to keep his side in the tie as they look ahead to the second leg in Abuja on September 28. The winners of that clash will face Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca.

Back home in Uyo, Abia Warriors made their long awaited first appearance on the continental stage. Their dream start came when Chukwuemeka Obioma scored in the 21st minute, yet their joy faded when Djoliba of Mali struck back with just two minutes to go.

The 1-1 draw leaves the Warriors with a very tough challenge in the return leg in Bamako, where they must secure at least a scoring draw to advance.

It was a weekend that revealed both promise and pain for Nigerian football, and supporters will now wait eagerly to see how the second legs unfold.