Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt has missed the opportunity to claim a 20 million naira largesse after they were dumped out of the CAF Confederation Cup by perennial continental campaigners Enyimba FC of Aba.
The Sports loving Governor of Rivers State Nyesom Wike had promised the team 20 million naira should they eliminate Enyimba from the CAF Confederation Cup.
The two-time CAF Champions League winners, however, prevailed after they beat the ‘Pride of Rivers’ five-four on penalties to romp into the money-spinning group phase of the competition.
Rivers United’s quest for a first continental trophy was dashed by more determined Enyimba who are now the only club flying the country’s flag on the continent.
The Port Harcourt based side will now turn their attention to the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL where they would hope to finish in the top three to secure another ticket to represent Nigeria in the CAF Continental games.
Enyimba FC will now face South Africa’s Orlando Pirates, Algeria’s Entente Setif, and Libya’s Al Ahly Benghazi in group A in the group phase of the competition.
The draw was made on Monday 22nd February at CAF Headquarters in Cairo.
The draw pitched Enyimba fc against two former CAF Champions League winners, Orlando Pirates of South Africa and Entente Setif of Algeria.
The group-stage matches are due to begin next month with the top two in each group progressing to the quarter-finals.
The Peoples Elephant has not won any continental title since 2004 after they won the CAF Champions League two times in a row.
Enyimba will now bank on their continental experience as they seek to surmount the challenges of other continental giants in the group stage of CAF Confederation Cup
