Lobi Stars and Enugu Rangers Ready For Continental Showdown

Nigeria’s representatives in the 2019 CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, Lobi Stars of Makurdi and Enugu Rangers will kick-start their campaigns today as they engage in the first legs of their preliminary round matches.

While CAF Champions League campaigners, Lobi Stars are away to UMS Loum of Cameroon in Yaounde, Enugu Rangers are playing host to Defence Force of Ethiopia.

Due to the poor performances of Nigerian clubs in the continent in recent years, only two clubs will represent the country in the CAF club competitions.

However, Lobi Stars and Rangers are expected to do well in their respective competitions in order to change the trend.

According to Lobi Stars’ Team Manager, Barnabas Imenger, in an interview with Daily Trust said the ‘pride of Benue’ are ready to do the country proud.

He said the match will be a difficult one but his team will live up to the expectations of Nigerians.

“We know how important it is for us to get a good result in our first leg match. We shall do everything possible to get a decent result against our opponents.

“There is the second leg to be played so we shall work hard to make the return leg a mere formality,” he stated.

On his part, Rangers experienced defender, Isaac Loute said the Flying Antelopes won’t settle for anything less than the maximum points.

He said Rangers have prepared adequately for the Confederation Cup tie.

“We are ready for our opponents. I am convinced that at the end of the 90 minutes, we shall come out victorious.

“I am calling on our teeming fans to come and cheer us to victory,” he said.