Nigeria’s hope of advancing to the money-spinning stage of the African Champions League was dashed this evening when the country’s last remaining team in the championship, Rangers International of Enugu lost 1-3 to Recreativo Libolo in Libolo, Angola.

The Nigerians had failed to take advantage of the first leg at home that ended goalless and the refusal of Warri Wolves to release star player Sunday Mba cost the team dearly. Mba missed the first leg due to a dispute over ownership and was released for the return leg only two days ago. The Super Eagles Nations Cup hero further had travel difficulties and only managed to join his teammates late this morning. That notwithstanding, Mba shone in the match, scoring in the 56^th minute but that didn’t help much.

The Angolans who looked better prepared opened scoring through Camara in the 16^th minute, with Dario extending the lead in the 32^nd. Mba’s goal gave some hope but the Flying Antelopes were finally subdued when they conceded a penalty which Dario converted in the 74^th minute.

The Coal City boys will now go down to the Confederation Cup, where they would seek to redeem Nigeria’s pride as the the only team from the country still in contention in any continental competition.

•Photo: Sunday Mba found the mark in Angola biut it was not enough to save the Flying Antelopes.