LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Nigeria Premier Football League champions Rangers International were forced to settle for a tense 1–1 draw against Benin Republic champions AS Sobemap FC in their CAF Champions League preliminary‑round first leg, a result that leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the return fixture.
The Flying Antelopes began brightly at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, pressing with intent and controlling early possession.
Their pressure paid off in the 17th minute when Chidozie Nwundu reacted quickest inside a crowded box, smashing home after a goalmouth scramble to give Rangers a deserved lead.
Rangers carried that advantage into halftime, but their concentration evaporated almost immediately after the restart.
Just 40 seconds into the second half, Sobemap capitalised on a defensive lapse to equalise, punishing Rangers’ sluggish reorganisation and silencing the home crowd.
From that moment, Rangers pushed aggressively for a winner.
They dominated territory, circulated the ball with urgency and forced Sobemap deep into their defensive shape.
Yet despite their pressure, the Enugu side struggled to convert possession into clear chances.
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Sobemap remained dangerous on the counter, threatening to snatch a second goal whenever Rangers committed bodies forward.
The final whistle confirmed a disappointing draw for Rangers, who now face a difficult second leg away from home.
Their Champions League hopes remain alive, but they will need sharper finishing, tighter concentration and greater composure to advance.
Meanwhile, El‑Kanemi Warriors delivered a contrasting Nigerian performance in continental action, defeating UDIB of Guinea‑Bissau 3–0 in Ikenne to begin their CAF Confederations Cup campaign in style.
After a goalless first half, El‑Kanemi surged forward with intensity, scoring three times to secure a commanding first‑leg advantage.
With three goals scored and none conceded, El‑Kanemi travel to Bissau next week with confidence, firmly in control of their qualification destiny.
