Enugu Rangers and Remo Stars, two prominent teams from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), had contrasting fortunes during the draws for the 2025 CAF Champions League qualifying rounds held in Cairo.
Enugu Rangers, making their long-awaited return to the prestigious African club competition since 2017, are poised for success as they gear up to face Zilimadjou from Comoros in the first round in August.
With their well recognized strength, the Flying Antelopes are expected to emerge victorious and secure a place in the group stage. The ultimate goal for every participating team is to qualify for the 16-club mini-league phase, where substantial prize money awaits, starting from a minimum of $700,000.
In September, Enugu Rangers would face a tough challenge against either Saint Louis of Seychelles or Esperanca Sagrada of Angola. Nonetheless, they are favored to continue their winning streak and secure their spot in the group stage.
On the other hand, Remo Stars, whose previous Champions League campaign ended in the first round last season, faced a formidable opponent right from the start.
They are set to battle against former title-holders FAR Rabat of Morocco. Despite the tough draw, Remo Stars are determined to prove their mettle and progress further in the competition.
Should they overcome FAR Rabat, they will confront either a Libyan club yet to be named or the highly experienced African campaigners, Al Merrikh of Sudan, in the second round.
It has been almost two decades since a Nigerian team emerged victorious in the Champions League, with Enyimba achieving the feat in 2005.
As Enugu Rangers and Remo Stars embark on their thrilling journey, they aim to etch their names in history by bringing the trophy back to Nigerian soil.
The excitement and anticipation are noticeable as these Nigerian clubs look to showcase their talent and compete against the best in Africa once more.
