Nigeria’s representatives in the 2023–2024 CAF Champions League, Enyimba International Football Club of Aba and Remo Stars FC of Ikenne have exited the tournament on home soil.
This was a result of the failure of both teams to benefit from playing at home during their preliminary round matches in Aba and Ikenne, respectively.
Al Ahly Benghazi of Libya held Enyimba to a 0-0 draw in Aba, Abia, and Remo Stars lost 3-2 on penalties to Medeama SC of Ghana in Ikenne, Ogun.
In Ikenne, Remo Stars restored parity on 1-1 aggregate when Medeama SC goalkeeper Felix Kyei spilled a corner into his own net.
Remo thought they had got the go-ahead goal in the closing minutes of the return leg tie, only to see their effort chalked off for offside as the match went into the lottery of a penalty shootout.
In the ensuing shootout, the visitors netted three of their kicks to advance to the first round of the competition.
While, Enyimba, the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions lost 4-3 on aggregate.
Finidi George’s side dominated the game but were let down by their poor marksmanship.
To the dismay of Aba supporters and Enyimba authorities led by recently appointed chairman, Kanu Nwankwo, the visitors sat back and put up a determined performance to prevent Enyimba’s onslaught, resulting in a scoreless match.
A 1-0 victory would have advanced Enyimba to the second round, leaving the home crowd with little to rejoice at the finish line.
The People’s Elephant and Remo Stars will now focus on getting ready for the upcoming NPFL season, which is anticipated to start the following month.
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