Former Nigerian champions have overcome the final hurdle into the group stage of the continent’s second tier club competition
Super Eagles head coach Jose Peceiro has sent a message of congratulations to Rivers United after the Port Harcourt-based club advanced to the group stage of the CAF Confederations Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.
Rivers United defeated Burkina Faso’s Etoile Filante 2-0 in the final play-off match of the continental competition at the Adokie Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Sunday.
Both teams fought to a goalless draw in the first leg two weeks ago, with the NPFL side needing a win at all costs to advance.
And although Rivers United were the better team on the pitch, they lacked attacking efficiency as they missed many clear chances, including two penalties.
However, Alex Oyowa finally gave the former NPFL champions the lead with a minute left and added a second goal with a penalty towards the end of stoppage time.
After the hard-fought victory, Super Eagles coach Peceiro Rivers United celebrated on his X account (formerly Twitter).
Portuguese tactician wrote: “Congratulations to Rivers United for making it through to the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup. We wish them the best of luck in the competition!
2022 NPFL champions Rivers United have never won a continental title. Pride of Rivers’ best result on the continent was last year when he reached the quarter-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup.
However, Stanley Eguma’s team became the only Nigerian club to advance to the mini-league round of the continental competition this year after Enyimba, Remo Stars and Bendel Insurance were eliminated early on.
