Rivers United assistant coach Yemi ‘Yema’ Olanrewaju has said Nigerian clubs do not have what it takes to compete with the continent’s top sides, following Enugu Rangers’ exit from the CAF Champions League.
Rangers lost 3-0 to MC Alger in the second leg of their second preliminary round tie on Friday, going out 3-2 on aggregate after winning the first leg 2-0. The result leaves Nigeria without a club in the group stage. Rivers United were eliminated in the first preliminary round.
The Flying Antelopes led the tie until the second half. Chahreddine Boukholda scored in the 58th minute, and Rangers’ goalkeeper then saved a penalty from Mohamed Bangoura in the 70th minute. Bangoura levelled the aggregate score six minutes from time, and Soufiane Bayazid scored in stoppage time to complete the turnaround. The two-goal cushion was gone by the 84th minute.
Olanrewaju, popularly known as Yema, reacted on social media. He is a former Enyimba coach and was the youngest head coach in the league during his time in Aba.
“Having qualified back to back for group stage of CAF Competitions, in CAF Confederation Cup with Enyimba and CAF Champions League with Rivers United, I have said it that we don’t have what it takes to compete with a lot of African clubs,” he wrote.
He added in pidgin, “Our budgets, facilities and level nor reach those people.
“I was called different names. I’ve been there and see the levels and differences. Truth is bitter though.”
Rangers, who were seeking a first group stage appearance in the competition, must now turn their attention to the league, where they sit level on points with Rivers at the top.
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