Nigeria divided in CAF CL: Rivers United progress to group stage, Remo Stars in trouble

Femi Fabunmi 

Nigeria’s Rivers United have secured a place in the group stage of the CAF Champions League after a commanding 3-1 victory over Mozambique’s Black Bulls in the second leg of their second preliminary round clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

The result saw The Pride of Rivers, coached by Finidi George, overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit to advance 3-2 on aggregate — a remarkable comeback that cements their status among Africa’s elite clubs.

Rivers United began the match on a bright note, with Wasiu Falolu opening the scoring in the 15th minute. Maclyn Biokpo Jerewari converted from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute to double the lead before halftime.

The visitors struck early in the second half through Moctar Diallo, but Rivers United restored their two-goal cushion in the 76th minute when Timothy Zachariah fired home to seal the victory.

The achievement marks a significant milestone for the Port Harcourt-based side, making them the first Nigerian club in recent years to reach the CAF

Champions League group stage — a feat that rekindles optimism for Nigerian club football on the continental stage.

Meanwhile, Nigeria Premier Football League champions Remo Stars face a stern test in their second-leg tie against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in Pretoria.

The Ikenne-based club trails 5-1 on aggregate after a heavy defeat in Abeokuta last weekend.

Head coach Daniel Ogunmodede’s men will need an exceptional display to overturn the deficit and keep their continental ambitions alive.