After dramatically winning the 2018 edition of the Aiteo Cup via penalties against Kano Pillars in Asaba which automatically guaranteed their participation at the 2019 CAF Confederations Cup, a number of Enyimba International players believe that with proper recruitment, early planning and support from the government, Enugu Rangers will represent Nigeria well on the continent next season.
Enyimba crashed out of the CAF confederations cup in the semi final after losing to Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca home and away in the semi finals and the players believe it is possible for Rangers to surpass their feat if they get the right motivation.
Speaking with footballlive.ng Super Eagles late call up goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai said “They should prepare well and play well. Also the management must do their own part. I think that is very important if they want to do well on the continent.”
Enyimba defender Ifeanyi Anaemena who had a great season with the people’s Elephant believes Rangers have the quality to go far but they must plan early. “Rangers have been a good side and for them going to the continent, I wish them well. I hope they will back up all their team to make sure every department is equipped rightly, and the motivation from the government comes too because without motivation there is no football. So I wish them well and I’m sure they are going to get to a better place.”
Striker Wasiu Alalade said Rangers must do all in their power to follow Enyimba’s CAF Confederations Cup legacy. “The most important thing is to work hard. That is the normal thing in football; they also have to believe in God and in themselves. This legacy that Enyimba has put down I’m sure they will look into it and work hard as well because they will like to get to the semi finals and maybe do better and I wish them the best of luck.”
Enugu Rangers came from three goals down to draw Kano Pillars in the Aiteo Cup final in Asaba before moving on to lift the trophy after winning the penalty shootout.
