Sports
Wikki Tourists still in CAF Confederation Cup race -Team captain
The captain of Nigeria Professional Football League club, Wikki Tourists, Mustapha Ibrahim, is hopeful his side will qualify for the next stage of the Caf Confederation Cup despite their loss last Sunday.
The Bauchi Elephants were defeated 0-2 by Sierra Leonan opponents, Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) FC, on Sunday at the Siaka Steven Stadium in Freetown, and will hope to make amends when they stage a return leg at the Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi this Sunday.
“After the game at RSLAF FC it dawned on us that we did not represent the country very well. However, we equally know that the loss is not the end of the road for us as far as the Caf Confederation Cup is concerned,” Ibrahim told Supersport.
“We know there is another chance for us to make amends as well as redeem our qualification campaign.
“Nigerians should still keep firm hope with us as we are determined to make them proud.”
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In the first leg tie, the Mohammed Babagaru’s men lagged as they conceded the opener after 20 minutes of play, and took in another late in the first half. They improved after the break but were unable to claw their way back into the game.
“The loss to RSLAF FC does not mean that we played badly. We played quite well but perhaps luck was not in our favour,” Ibrahim continued.
“We missed glaring chances. Just a momentary loss of concentration gave the opponents the opportunity to score their goals.
“The government has been supportive and charged us to come out with the finest result to move on in the competition,” the former junior international player added.
As it stands, Wikki will have to win by three clear goals to stand a chance of progressing, as the aggregate winners will confront the Malian side, FC Djoliba, in the next stage of the competition.
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