NAN-S-7
Enthusiasts
By Victor Okoye
Abuja, March 13, 2017 (NAN) Some football enthusiasts on Monday lauded the performance of Rivers United in the first leg of their CAF Champions League round of 32 encounter while urging Rangers to go for broke in the second leg.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that it was a tale of mixed fortunes for Nigeria’s representatives, as Rivers United won and Rangers lost in their games on Sunday.
Rivers United, proved to be worthy ambassadors with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Al-Merrikh of Sudan in Port Harcourt, while Rangers were handed a 4-1 defeat by Zamalek of Egypt at the El-Salam Stadium.
A cross section of football enthusiasts who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) noted that the victory by Rivers United was commendable, adding that the job was not yet completed.
They also urged Rangers not to give up in their fight for a spot in the group stages but rather ensure that they give their all in the return leg.
Patrick Nwaogwu, the Vice Chairman of FCT Football Association, said the victory of Rivers United was a convincing one and an attestation to the fact that the team was well prepared for the tournament.
“You cannot give what you don’t have. That’s the truth.
“The victory shows that the team is actually reciprocating the kind gesture of Gov. Nyesom Wike led Government in its effort toward bringing the CAF trophy to Port Harcourt.
“I therefore urge the team to continue in the same spirit and use all the arsenals at its disposal to overcome Al Merrikh in Sudan to ensure qualification to the group stage,” he said.
He also advised Rangers not to allow the negative result in the first leg to affect them, but to use it as a propelling force to achieve a better result at home.
Patrick Pascal, Super Eagles team coordinator said Rangers could take a lot of positives from the 4-1 defeat in the first leg, adding that Rivers United on the other hand must not be carried away with their 3-0 victory.
“I believe Rangers can bounce back, they gave themselves a big boost with that away goal, a 3-0 victory in Enugu come this weekend will put them through to the group stage.
“Rivers United still have another 90 minutes and they must not think because they won 3-0 at home they will go and defend in Sudan, they have to give it their all in the second leg,” he said.
Mansur Abdullahi, former Coach of Warri Wolves noted that it would be quite an uphill task for Rangers but that they can turn the table if they believe and re-strategies.
“I had warned earlier that Rangers must ensure that they don’t lose the first leg by a wide goal margin, but unfortunately they lost by 4- 1 which is not good for the team next week Sunday.
“It will be very tough for them because they will have to win by three goals to qualify for the next round of the competition.
“They just have to work hard on their attack so they can score a lot of goals but they also have to work on their defence so that they do not concede as well.
“For Rangers, they had a good game, but they must keep the result behind them now and work on the return leg.
“They should ensure that they concede little or no goal in Sudan, while making sure that they score at least an away goal,” he said.
Akintunde Badmus, a sports pundit noted that it was not a bad result for both sides.
“While Rangers need just three goals without reply in Enugu, Rivers United need to keep a clean sheet or a low score line in the reverse fixture.
“Anything is possible in football, like we saw in the UEFA Chamoions League where Barcelona had to upturn a 4-0 deficit to defeat PSG 6-5. No one gave them a chance but they did it and the rest is history now.
“Having said that, I think both teams stand a strong chance of progressing to the group stage,” he said.
NAN reports that the second leg will see Rivers United travel to Sudan, while Rangers host Zamalek in Enugu next week. (NAN)
VO/ENN/MZA
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Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Maharazu Ahmed