Rivers United, the reigning 2021-22 NPFL champions, showcased their prowess by securing a confident 2-0 victory at home against Etoile Filante, a team hailing from Burkina Faso.
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This impressive performance not only affirmed their dominance but also earned them a coveted spot in the group stage of the 2023-24 CAF Confederation Cup.
Their journey to the group stage began with a favorable bye in the first round of qualifying, setting the stage for a pivotal encounter against Etoile Filante in the final round.
The first leg had concluded without either side finding the back of the net, leaving the tie evenly poised.
The Pride of Rivers, as Rivers United is affectionately known, welcomed the Burkinabe outfit to the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium for the second leg and left no room for doubt about their intentions.
Despite their dominance, they initially struggled to convert their chances into goals.
In the first half, Rivers United was awarded a penalty opportunity, but Endurance Ebedebiri’s spot-kick was thwarted by the visitors’ goalkeeper, keeping the scoreline level.
Undeterred, the home side persisted in their pursuit of a goal to match their dominance.
Their perseverance paid off in the second half when another penalty was awarded for handball.
This time, Farouk Mohamed stepped up to take the spot-kick but saw his effort rebound off the woodwork, leading to a frustrated reaction from fans in the stadium.
The breakthrough finally came in the 89th minute when summer signing Alex Oyowah, in his first goal for the club since joining from Bayelsa United, found the back of the net.
Oyowah’s goal not only sealed the victory but also marked a significant moment in his Rivers United journey.
To put the icing on the cake, Oyowah converted a penalty minutes later, securing a 2-0 win and firmly stamping the result in favor of Rivers United.
With this impressive performance, the Pride of Rivers has earned the right to participate in the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup, representing Nigeria as the sole representative.
Their journey to this stage of the competition showcases their determination and footballing prowess.
As Rivers United awaits the group stage draw, they carry the hopes and expectations of Nigerian football fans on their shoulders, ready to face new challenges on the continental stage.
