Continental conundrum looms as Remo Stars and El Kanemi crash out of CAF competitions
There is something about the ominous. It is foreshadowing, predictive and almost visible, even before it happens.
Such was the feeling of Nigerian football lovers after the 1st legs of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederations Cup 1st preliminary rounds.
Going into the second leg, Remo Stars had beaten Morocco’s ASFAR 2-1, while El Kanemi Warriors drew 1-1 with Benin side, Dadje. Both were home matches for the Nigerian teams.
It is common knowledge that home advantage must be maximized in African continental football. Nothing short of a 3-0 win is a good cushion to go into the second leg with. A 2-0 win is considered a draw, while a 1-0 home win is a loss. A home draw is suicidal. This is something that has repeatedly happened to Nigerian teams over the years.
Remo Stars lost 2-1 to ASFAR (3-2 aggregate)
Fast forward to the second leg, ASFAR beat Remo Stars 2-0 (no thanks to a debatable penalty) while El Kanemi lost 2-1 in Benin Republic. Both games lost at a 3-2 aggregate scoreline.
El Kanemi Warriors lost 2:1 to Dadje of Benin. (3-2 aggregate)
The results mean that Nigeria now has two clubs representing on the continental level; Enyimba and Rangers. Only time will tell if lessons have been learned.