The former Nigerian champions overcame the last hurdle on their path to the group stage of the continent’s second-tier club competition
Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has sent a congratulatory message to Rivers United after the Port-Harcourt-based club progressed to the group stage of the CAF Confederations Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.
Rivers United defeated Etoile Filante of Burkina Faso 2-0 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, on Sunday in the final playoffs of the continental competition.
The two teams battled to a goalless draw in the first leg two weeks ago, with the NPFL side needing a win of any margin to advance.
And while Rivers United were the better side on the field of play, they lacked efficiency in attack as they missed a truckload of clear-cut chances, including two penalties.
But Alex Oyowah finally broke the deadlock for the former NPFL champions a minute from time before he added a second from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time.
After their hard-fought win, Super Eagles coach Peseiro took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to celebrate Rivers United.
The Portuguese tactician wrote: “Congratulations to Rivers United on making it to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage. Best of luck in the competition!”
2022 NPFL winners Rivers United have never won a continental title. The best outing on the continent for the Pride of Rivers is reaching the quarterfinals of the CAF Confederation Cup last year.
Stanley Eguma’s men are, however, the only Nigerian club to have made it to the mini-league rounds of a continental competition this year after Enyimba, Remo Stars, and Bendel Insurance crashed out in the earlier stages.
