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Rangers Qualify For CAF Champions League 2nd Preliminary Round

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Reigning Nigerian league champions, Rangers International FC are through to the second preliminary round of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2024/2025.

It was gathered that the Flying Antelopes made it with a 2-1 aggregate win over Comoros Islands champions, U.S de Zilimadjou in the first preliminary round of the premier continental club competition.

ALSO READ: Nasarawa United Condoles With Heartland Over Obi’s Death

In the second leg, first preliminary round game played inside the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Friday, August 23, 2024, the Nigerian side was forced to a 1-1 draw by the tiny Island nation’s side.

After both sides ended the first half on a goalless note, with begging chances fretted away by the home side, coach Fidelis Ilechukwu had to make quick substitutions that saw Kazeem Ogunleye and Chiedozie Okorie make way for Ekeson Okorie and Bashir Usman just ten minutes into the second stanza.

The substitution turned out to be an inspired one as Okorie, in one of his dashing runs into the box was fouled and the referee wasted no time in pointing to the spot, and Kenechukwu Agu expertly converted for the opening goal of the encounter on the 79th minute to send the fans that thronged the stadium into a frenzy.

However, Youssouf Mohamed, drew the Comoros side level with just four minutes left on the clock as he nodded home an inviting cross that the Rangers backline found hard to defend just a few seconds after they missed a promising attacking move at the other end of the pitch.

Despite the draw, the Nigerian side progressed to the next round of the competition where they are scheduled to engage either St. Louis F.C of Seychelles or Sagrada Esperanca FC of Angola with the Angolan side enjoying a 1-0 lead from the first leg played in Seychelles last week.

Coach Ilechukwu in his post-match chat, said, “We are happy to have qualified for the next round of the competition even though when I believe that we did not up our game today against the Comoros champions. This goes a long way to show the mystery of the game of football.

“Sure, I am worried at our rate of converting chances but I am optimistic of getting over this challenge before the next window for new registration. I believe that the start of the new league season will go a long way in helping us stabilize with regards to cohesive play from my players.”

On his part, Captain of Rangers, Chinemerem Ugwueze said, “It was a difficult match but we stood our ground to get the ticket to the next round. This is a young, new, team that is being put together and the blending will take some time to happen. Having overcome this challenge from the Comoros champion, we have more time to work on our weaknesses going forward.

“We thank our supporters who came out to stand behind us and we hope to make them happy in future matches.

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BREAKING: Ronaldo Hits Billion Followers On Social Platforms

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Iconic Portuguese striker, Cristiano Ronaldo has hit a billion followers on his social media accounts.

He took to his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Thursday night to make the revelation.

ALSO READ: Cristiano Ronaldo Launches YouTube Channel

He expressed gratitude to his followers and assured that “The best is yet to come”.

He also expressed optimism andhunger for more wins in his illustrious career.

Ronaldo wrote, “We’ve made history — 1 BILLION followers! This is more than just a number – it’s a testament to our shared passion, drive, and love for the game and beyond.

“From the streets of Madeira to the biggest stages in the world, I’ve always played for my family and for you, and now 1 billion of us stand together.

“You’ve been with me every step of the way, through all the highs and the lows. This journey is our journey, and together, we’ve shown that there are no limits to what we can achieve.

“Thank you for believing in me, for your support, and for being part of my life. The best is yet to come, and we’ll keep pushing, winning, and making history together.”

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Eguavoen Steps Down As Interim Coach Of Super Eagles

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Augustine Eguavoen, the interim coach of the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, has announced his resignation from the position.

Eguavoen made the announcement after the team’s 0-0 draw against Rwanda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Tuesday.

Read Also: Ex-CBN Deputy Gov, Moghalu Breaks Silence On Nigeria’s Economic Troubles

The Nigerian tactician revealed that his mandate was to oversee the team’s matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda, and with that accomplished, his task has ended.

However, Eguavoen has offered to provide tactical advice to the next coach on how to overcome Libya, the team’s next opponent.

The Super Eagles’ performance under Eguavoen has been mixed, with a convincing 3-0 win against Benin Republic followed by a disappointing draw against Rwanda.

Eguavoen made a single change to the starting lineup for the Rwanda match, with Fisayo Dele-Basiru replacing Alex Iwobi.

He said, “I have been given a mandate to handle two games. I will want to say I am very pleased with the boys and again, thanks to the NFF leadership and all the boys who supported me in terms of discipline and working hard.

“It ends today, which is the two games mandate. I can’t talk about Libya, because I haven’t been told but I can talk about it a little bit in case we have another coach, we can talk about it.

“I want to be closer to the team as it should be and I can give inside story and inside information that we need to be able to overcome Libya. No team is a pushover anymore but with this spirit that these boys have exhibited and from what I have seen, we have a very bright future”

Recall that Eguavoen’s appointment asl interim coach was announced by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on August 30, 2024, after the federation’s inability to secure the services of German coach Bruno Labbadia due to stringent German tax laws.

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Honey Badgers Make Historic NWFL Premiership Debut, Ibom Angels Secure Return

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Honey Badgers and Ibom Angels have secured promotion to the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership following their victories in the NWFL Championship playoff matches held on Sunday at UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar, Cross River State.

The Benue State-based Honey Badgers made history with a 1-0 win over Pelican Stars, which earned them their first-ever promotion to the country’s top-flight.

ALSO READ: NWFL Lauds Edo Queens’ Semifinal Berth In CAF Women’s Champions League Qualifiers

A second-half goal from Hellen Daniel proved to be the difference for Honey Badgers, who displayed resilience and composure throughout the match. Both teams started brightly, with the Badgers missing an early chance to take the lead. Moments later, their goalkeeper Stella Okereke made a crucial save to deny Pelican Stars an opening goal.

The hosts pressed hard in search of the opener, but Honey Badgers’ defense held firm. The breakthrough came in the 67th minute when Daniel converted a chance to give the visitors the lead. Despite relentless support from the home crowd, Pelican Stars couldn’t find an equalizer as the Badgers held on for the win.

This victory marks a significant milestone for Honey Badgers, who would now be preparing to make their debut in the NWFL Premiership.

The team will join Ibom Angels, who also earned promotion earlier in the day with a 2-0 win over Osun Babes in another playoff match.

The Ibom Angels dominated their match against Osun Babes, scoring through Abasiofon Uwah and Ijeoma Onweagba. Uwah gave the Uyo-based side an early lead in the 10th minute, while Onuma doubled the advantage in the 61st minute with a long-range effort. Osun Babes earned a penalty late in the game, but Kafayat Bashiru missed the spot-kick.

The victory sees Ibom Angels return to the NWFL Premiership just a season after their relegation in 2021.

This marks the second consecutive season in which Ibom Angels have secured immediate promotion back to the topflight, showcasing their resilience and strong team spirit.

Meanwhile, Chosen Generation Angels and Heroes Queens retained their NWFL Championship status after winning their respective relegation playoff matches.

Chosen Generation Angels narrowly edged Kaduna Queens 1-0, with Kafayat Anifowoshe scoring the only goal in the 35th minute. Kaduna Queens were relegated to the third tier despite a strong second-half showing.

Heroes Queens defeated DreamStar FC Ladies 1-0 in the Lagos derby to maintain their place in the NWFL Championship. Ebube Umejiaku scored the decisive goal in the 55th minute, condemning Dreamstar to relegation.

The loss marked the end of Dreamstar Ladies’ three-year stint in the second tier after their relegation from the Premiership in 2021.

With the conclusion of the NWFL playoffs, Honey Badgers and Ibom Angels are set to compete in the 2024/2025 NWFL Premiership season, while Chosen Generation Angels and Heroes Queens will continue in the NWFL Championship. Kaduna Queens and DreamStar FC Ladies will face the challenge of rebuilding in the third tier.

Chairman, NWFL, Nkechi Obi congratulated Honey Badgers and Ibom Angels on their promotion to the elite league, noting, “Their hard work and determination have paid off.” She also commiserated with Osun Babes and Pelican Stars, acknowledging their efforts throughout the season.

Obi further expressed her gratitude to the Cross River State government for successfully hosting the 2024 NWFL Championship, emphasizing, “This event plays a vital role in promoting women’s football in Nigeria.”

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