Rangers Can Still Beat Sobemap in CAF Champions League, Says ANFASSC Boss

Posted : 08 September 2026

Rangers International have been backed to overcome AS Sobemap in the second leg of their CAF Champions League first preliminary-round tie. Authentic Nigeria Football and Allied Sports Supporters Club president Prince Abayomi Ogunjinmi remains confident that the Nigerian champions can progress despite a 1-1 home draw.

Rangers took the lead against the Benin Republic champions at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta on Sunday, September 6. Chidozie Iwundu put the Flying Antelopes ahead before Sobemap responded shortly after half-time to secure a valuable draw.

The result leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the return fixture. The second leg is scheduled for September 11, with Sobemap set to host Rangers at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo.

Ogunjinmi believes the Nigerian champions were unfortunate not to win the first meeting. He also feels Rangers have greater quality and experience than their opponents and can complete the job away from home.

The ANFASSC president, however, identified finishing as the biggest area that needs improvement. Rangers created opportunities after taking the lead but failed to add a second goal that could have given them a stronger advantage.

Ogunjinmi specifically called on coach Fidelis Ilechukwu and his players to make better use of chances created from defender Itodo's long throws. He believes greater efficiency in the final third could prove decisive in the return match.

The draw has increased the pressure on Ilechukwu's team. Rangers must now produce a positive result away from home if they are to continue their Champions League campaign.

The Flying Antelopes entered the competition as Nigeria's reigning NPFL champions. Their continental campaign comes alongside a domestic season that began with a 1-1 draw against Katsina United on August 30.

Sobemap, meanwhile, will have the advantage of playing the decisive fixture in front of their supporters. The Benin champions showed resilience in Abeokuta and will know that another strong defensive display could put them within reach of the next round.

For Rangers, the task is clear. They need to turn their attacking opportunities into goals and avoid another lapse after taking the lead if they are to satisfy Ogunjinmi's prediction and keep their CAF Champions League journey alive.

Rangers Can Still Beat Sobemap in CAF Champions League, Says ANFASSC Boss

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