Rangers International coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has asked the club’s fans to keep believing in the team. The Nigeria Premier Football League champions will start their 2026/27 CAF Champions League journey against Benin Republic’s SOBEMAP on Sunday.
The Flying Antelopes will play SOBEMAP in the first leg of the first preliminary round at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta. This is their temporary home this season because of renovations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.
As Rangers gets ready for their first continental challenge this season, Ilechukwu told the fans that the players are committed to making them proud. He urged them not to lose faith in the team.
“Rangers fans, we know, we trust and we believe that you are with us, don’t give up on us. We would make you proud tomorrow (Sunday).
“Thank you so much for believing in us.”
Rangers comes into this game after starting their NPFL title defence with a 1-1 draw against Katsina United last weekend. Now, they are turning their focus to the Champions League. SOBEMAP has also watched Rangers' opening league match against Katsina United.
This continental assignment gives Rangers a chance to start strong at their new home and set themselves up well for the return leg. General Manager Amobi Ezeaku has emphasized the need for a convincing result. He hopes fans from Abeokuta, Lagos, Ikenne, and nearby states will show up in large numbers.
“There is light at the end of the tunnel for us. On Sunday, we expect that more fans will come out from Abeokuta, Lagos, Ikenne, and many people have also come in from neighbouring states. We have to grind out the result, win convincingly and advance.
“We want to take each game as it comes. We have our eyes on the Champions League and we are not losing focus.”
Rangers returns to Africa’s top club competition hoping for a successful campaign that reflects the club’s rich history in the continent. Their biggest win remains the 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup.
Their last Champions League run after winning the NPFL title in 2024 ended early, with the Enugu club not reaching the group stage. This time, they are determined to go further, starting with a good result against SOBEMAP in Abeokuta.
If Rangers gets past the first preliminary round, they will meet the winner of the match between Niger Republic’s ASN Nigelec and Algerian giants MC Alger in the second preliminary round. For Ilechukwu and his players, the immediate task is clear; reward the faith of their supporters with a strong start in the Champions League.
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