Nigeria’s continental debutants, Abia Warriors, were left heartbroken on Sunday after conceding a late goal in a 1–1 draw with Mali’s Djoliba in their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round first-leg clash in Aba.

The Warriors, making their maiden appearance on the continental stage, looked set for a dream start when striker Emmanuel Obioma struck in the first half, capping their dominant opening spell and igniting celebrations among the home fans.

But experience counted for Djoliba, who refused to panic under pressure. The Malian visitors grew into the game and punished a lapse in concentration when they found an 88th-minute equaliser, leaving Abia Warriors ruing a missed opportunity for a statement victory.

The result leaves the tie delicately balanced ahead of the return leg in Bamako, where Djoliba will be banking on home advantage and their pedigree in African competitions.

For Abia Warriors, however, all hope is far from lost. The Nigerian debutants showed attacking flair and discipline for most of the encounter and will travel to Mali knowing that a disciplined, resilient performance could yet earn them passage to the next round.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Nigeria’s representatives in the CAF Confederation Cup, Kwara United, are brimming with confidence as they face Ghanaian heavyweights Asante Kotoko this Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium in one of the opening matches of the CAF Confederation Cup.

The Ilorin-based side, winners of the President’s Federation Cup, know they carry Nigeria’s pride on their shoulders as they face one of Africa’s most decorated clubs.

With the tie kicking off at the Accra Sports Stadium, Kwara United are determined to return home with a result that keeps their continental dreams alive.

Head coach Tunde Sanni has assured supporters that his team will not be intimidated by Kotoko’s pedigree.

 “We respect them, but we are not afraid,” Sanni declared. “Our boys are prepared – mentally, physically, and tactically. The target is to score in Ghana and bring the fight back to Ilorin.”

The Afonja Warriors tuned up with a resilient goalless draw away to Warri Wolves in the NPFL, a result that underlined their growing defensive organisation. Striker Wasiu Alalade and midfielder Ayobami Junior are expected to play pivotal roles as Kwara aim to catch Kotoko on the break.

For their part, the Porcupine Warriors are under pressure to deliver, having endured years of frustration on the continental stage.

They will also be forced to play outside their traditional Kumasi fortress, hosting Kwara United in Accra instead – a development many Nigerian fans believe reduces their usual home advantage.

Football analysts in Ilorin note that Kotoko’s ambition to press for goals could leave them vulnerable at the back, a situation Kwara United are keen to exploit.

 An away goal, they insist, could prove decisive when the return leg holds at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.

With Nigeria’s record in continental club competitions needing a boost, Kwara United are eager to seize the moment. Victory over Kotoko would not only enhance their profile but also reassert the strength of Nigerian club football in Africa.

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By KUNLE SOLAJA.

Abia Warriors will make their long-awaited debut on the continental stage this Sunday when they host Mali’s Djoliba AC in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

The Umuahia-based side qualified for the competition after an impressive domestic campaign and now carry Nigeria’s hopes into Africa’s second-tier club tournament. Head coach Imama Amapakabo will hope his team will seize the opportunity despite challenges.

Abia Warriors have suffered key losses ahead of the tie, with last season’s top scorer Anthony Ijoma, who struck 12 NPFL goals, sealing a move to Bosnian side FK Radnik Bijeljina, while midfielder Adejo Ojonougba, scorer of seven goals, has joined AS Marsa in Tunisia.

Their exits mean the attacking burden will fall on Sunday Megwo, who matched Ijoma’s 12-goal tally last season.

Their opponents, Djoliba AC, are no strangers to the continental scene. The Bamako giants have reached the latter stages of CAF competitions in the past and are widely regarded as one of West Africa’s most consistent clubs.

In a bid to boost morale, Djoliba’s management recently rewarded their players with motorbikes to aid punctuality and improve team spirit ahead of the clash.

Analysts believe Abia Warriors will look to stay compact at the back and hit Djoliba on the counter, while the visitors are expected to dominate possession and use their continental experience to unsettle the debutants.

For Abia, the first leg represents a golden chance to establish an advantage before the return fixture in Bamako. Even a narrow win or a clean sheet could tilt the tie in their favour.

This Sunday’s match will be followed with the return leg next week in Mali.

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