CAF CL: Fidelis Ilechukwu forsees home advantage against US Zilimadjou

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Head coach of Rangers International, Fidelis Ilechukwu, is confidence playing the two legs of their CAF Champions League Preliminary Round in Nigeria will be an advance for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions.

The first leg of the clash against US Zilimadjou from Comoros Island will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital next weekend.

The return leg will also be held at the same stadium on Friday, August 23, 2024 and the former Plateau United coach, Ikechukwu says his team can play anywhere.

“I must say that the team is gradually getting to the level required to challenge positively in the CAF Champions League,” he told the club media.

“Playing both legs of the preliminary round in Nigeria is an advantage to us because it will reduce any form of stress in the team.

“We are prepared one hundred percent for this game because we know the significance of the match.”

With some players leaving the Flying Antelopes after their league triumphs, Ilechukwu’s have lots of bonding at stake ahead of their continental assignment.

“Team cohesion and bonding is gradually taking shape, which is very important, and we are getting better every other day, which is what we have been working on in the past weeks.” He continued.

“Remember, we are in a re-building process in the team, and I am positive about what we shall achieve after the games.”

Ilechukwu is not new to continental football after leading MFM FC and Plateau United to the CAF Champions League during his stints with both sides.