Enugu Rangers coach Benedict Ugwu (aka Surugede) says that victory in Sunday’s CAF Confederation Cup Second Preliminary Round return leg match against Gabonese side, AS Pelicans, is not ‘negotiable’, Completesports.com reports.
The Flying Antelopes go into the crucial fixture behind, following 2-1 defeat in the first leg two weeks ago in Libreville.
The result means the Nigerian representatives would need a win of at least 1-0 scoreline to progress to the next round.
And head coach, Ugwu is now at the forefront of a spirited move to oust the Gabonese side from the competition.
Ugwu, a former Nigeria international claims there would be no hiding place for the Gabonese when they visit ‘The Cathedral’, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu on Sunday, September 29.
“We lost the first leg in Libreville, but with what we have been doing since our return, I can assure you that we are good to go for a win that will qualify us for the next round,” the sift spoken coach enthused.
Benedict ‘Surugede’ Ugwu
Ugwu beckons on their supporters to flood the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium to back them with their support.
“Let our fans come out in their numbers on Sunday to cheer us to victory,” he appealed.
Chiamaka Madu, a midfielder, also adds his voice to the growing optimism in the Flying Antelopes’ camp ahead Sunday’s game.
Madu, a former (defunct) Sharks ace who has blossomed since arriving the Coal City side three seasons ago, says despite his absence in the team for now due to injury sustained at the end of last NPFL season playoff in Lagos, he has strong belief in his colleagues doing the needful to qualify for the next group stage of the competition.
“I think the game is a must win for us if we must qualify for the next round of the competition,” Madu said.
“The expectations of our fans all over the World is for us to get a win against Pelicans of Gabon which I am sure we are determined and prepared to get due to the high intensity training we have been put through by our coaches.
“By the special grace of God, we shall earn our win on Sunday in Enugu.”
Madu is also happy with how the Rangers players have been motivated by the Prince Davidson Owumi led management ahead the tie.
“I think we need to get to the group stage. We need to go a step better than what we did last season,” he added.
“That is enough motivation for the entire team, coupled with the ever present management and government who answer to any of our needs towards achieving our targets in both domestic and continental engagements this season.”
By Sab Osuji
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