Rivers United defender, Ifeanyi Anaemena says the lack of competitive matches in the domestic scene is one of the reasons Nigerian clubs don’t go far in CAF competitions.
Anaemena played the entire duration of the 2-1 defeat to Futuro Kings FC in the first-leg of their CAF Confederation preliminary round fixture.
Kano Pillars and Plateau United also suffered first-leg defeats to AS Jafaar and Simba SC respectively, but Enyimba recorded a narrow away victory against FC Rahimo in Ouagadougou last weekend.
While Enyimba and Rivers United stand very good chances of progressing into the next round, Kano Pillars and Plateau United are walking on thin ice.
Speaking on why Nigerian clubs struggle to make meaningful impact on the continent, Anaemena said the late kick-off of the NPFL has to be on of the major reasons.
“It’s quite unfortunate for the past five or six seasons now our teams have always kick off the continental campaign before the NPFL season,” said the Defender.
“Although Covid-19 contributed to the delay this season, but it’s always important to into the continent at the back of six, seven or eight matches in the league in order to be match fit.
“This has also affected us and other clubs on the continent, but I’m optimistic Rivers United will have a good season,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Rivers United will be hoping to turn the table against Futuro Kings FC when both sides meet in Port Harcourt for the reverse fixture this weekend.
A victory will be enough to guide the Stanley Eguma’s side into the next round of the competition.
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