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Nigeria’s El Kanemi Warriors |
El Kanemi Warriors, based in Maiduguri, have become the first Nigerian club to be knocked out of this season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
The team faced a 2-1 defeat against Dadje FC of Benin in Cotonou on Saturday, leading to a 3-2 aggregate loss.
In the first leg held last weekend in Ikenne, El Kanemi managed a 1-1 draw, with a 95th-minute header from substitute Gimba Ajiji saving them from defeat.
However, they couldn't sustain their momentum in the return leg, resulting in their exit from the competition in the Preliminary Round.
Meanwhile, Enyimba, the other Nigerian club in the CAF Confederation Cup, received a bye in this round and will aim to make a significant impact when they enter the competition.
Unlike the CAF Champions League, which Enyimba has won twice, no Nigerian club has ever claimed the CAF Confederation Cup title.
El Kanemi's defeat follows Benin Republic’s recent success against Nigeria. In a 2026 World Cup qualifier just two months ago, Benin achieved a notable victory over the Super Eagles.
The two teams are set to face each other again on September 7 in Uyo, this time for the 2025 AFCON qualifying tournament.
