Fidelis Ilechukwu, coach of the reigning Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Rangers FC, has responded to Thursday’s CAF Champions League draw, emphasizing the team’s readiness despite being a work in progress.

During the draw ceremony at CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, Rangers were drawn against Union Sportive Zilimadjou, champions of the Comoros Islands’ league, in the first preliminary round.

The Flying Antelopes will begin their campaign in Moroni, facing Union Sportive Zilimadjou at the 14,000-capacity Baumer Stadium on either August 16, 17, or 18, 2024. The return leg will be hosted in Nigeria a week later.

Coach Ilechukwu expressed respect for their opponents, stating, “No team is small in the continent anymore. We respect our opponent, US Zilimadjou of Comoros, and we will prepare meticulously for this challenge.”

Despite aiming to make a significant impact in the CAF Champions League, Ilechukwu acknowledged that Rangers are still developing as a team. “We are still building this team, and we must be proactive to make an impact in the continental championship,” he added.

Union Sportive Zilimadjou, founded in 1983, has a commendable record in Comoros football, having won their national league four times and the national cup three times. Key players like forwards Youssouf Mohamed and Mohamed Anoir Chamoune, along with goalkeeper Moussa Issihaka, pose challenges for Rangers.

After their successful 2023/2024 NPFL season, where Rangers clinched the title with 70 points and 56 goals, the team now aims to translate their domestic success into a strong performance in the CAF Champions League.