Rangers players in their training section

In anticipation of the preliminary round of the 2024/2025 Total Energies CAF Champions League, Rangers International F.C., led by Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, has intensified their training regimen. The Nigerian champions are gearing up to face U.S. Zilimadjou, the champions of Comoros Island, with all registered players participating in rigorous exercises on Monday, August 12, 2024.

Coach Ilechukwu and his coaching staff were fully engaged in preparing the team with various drills to ensure readiness for the upcoming challenge. The match is set to take place at the 'Nest of Champions', Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, chosen by the Comoros Island team for the first leg. The Nigerian champions will host the return leg at the same venue on Friday, August 23, 2024.

Despite losing some key players who contributed to their league championship, Coach Ilechukwu remains optimistic. He highlighted the addition of talented new players who have joined the squad for this season's campaign.

“I believe the team is gradually reaching the level needed to compete effectively in the CAF Champions League. Playing both legs in Nigeria gives us an advantage as it minimizes any stress on the team. Even though Uyo is not our home ground, we consider any venue our home and have instilled this mentality in the squad. We are fully prepared for this game and understand its importance,” Coach Ilechukwu commented after Monday’s session.

He added, “Team cohesion and bonding are improving daily, which is crucial. We have been focusing on this over the past weeks. Although we are in a rebuilding phase, I am confident about our potential and what we will achieve in these matches.”

U.S. Zilimadjou opted to play their home game in Nigeria due to their 14,000-capacity Baumer Stadium in Moroni not being approved by CAF for hosting matches of the premier club competition.

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