Nigerian Clubs Suffer Misery In Africa

Apart from Enugu Rangers, who were victorious over Vital’O of Burundi on Sunday, Nigeria’s other three representatives on the continent have crashed out from both the Champions League and Confederations Cup.

Kano Pillars were thrown out of this seasons CAF Champions League by AC Leopards of Congo Brazzaville who beat them 3-0. The Nigerian champions had won the first-leg in Kano 4-1, but with the aggregate score being 4-4 Leopards advance on the away goal rule.

Lobi Stars were humiliated in Maputo as they were taught a footballing lesson by Liga Muculmana who beat them 7-1. Lobi had recorded a 3-1 victory over the Taca de Mozambique holders, but lost 8-4 on aggregate.

Despite Heartland having a slim 2-1 advantage from the first-leg, US Bitam of Gabon were given a walkover after Heartland failed to arrive early due to complications in their flight schedule.

The Naze Millioaires had arrived Gabon late last Saturday and were hoping that in the spirit of fair play the game would be moved to Sunday since it fell within the official fixture timeframe which was between Friday the 5th to Sunday the 7th of April.

Heartland has now launched a protest to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), accusing their hosts of not allowing them utilize the three-day window within which the game could be held.

Pending the outcome of Heartland’s appeal, Rangers remain Nigeria’s only surviving representatives on the continent after they knocked out Vital’O of Burundi following their 2-0 aggregate win on Sunday.

The Flying Antelopes will now face Angola’s Recreativo de’ Libobo who knocked out Sudanese giants Al Merreikh with a 4-2 aggregate win, after recording beating the Sudanese Red Devils home and away.

Libobo were also responsible for the ouster of South Africa’s Orlando Pirates in the preliminary round of the competition last season.

The NPFL games for last weekend were postponed because of the clubs campaigning on the continent.