Nigeria’s representatives in the CAF Confederation Cup, Abia Warriors and Kwara United, have both been eliminated from the competition following defeats in their second-leg preliminary fixtures on Sunday.
Abia Warriors fell 1-0 away to Mali’s Djoliba FC, bowing out 2-1 on aggregate. Similarly, Kwara United suffered a 1-0 defeat at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja, against Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko. The result completed a 5-3 aggregate loss for the Harmony Boys.
The twin exits mean no Nigerian club will feature in the group stage of this season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
Meanwhile, in the CAF Champions League, Rivers United boosted Nigeria’s continental hopes by advancing into the final preliminary round. The Pride of Rivers edged DR Congo’s Les Aigles 1-0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, to seal a 1-0 aggregate win after the first leg ended goalless.
Defender Stephen Manyo struck the decisive goal in first-half stoppage time, reacting quickest to fire home after the visiting goalkeeper spilled a free-kick. Finidi George’s side held firm through a tense second half to book their place in the final qualifying round, where they will face the winner between AC Léopards of Congo and Black Bulls of Mozambique.
Fellow Nigerian side Remo Stars are also through to the final qualifying round of the CAF Champions League.
Match Results (Aggregate Scores):
- Rivers United 1-0 Les Aigles
- Kwara United 3-5 Asante Kotoko
- Djoliba FC 2-1 Abia Warriors
