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Rivers United qualify for CAF Champions League Group Stage

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Rivers United qualify for CAF Champions League Group Stage

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria’s representative in the CAF Champions League, Rivers United, have secured a spot in the group stage after defeating Black Bulls of Mozambique 3-1 in the second leg of the second preliminary round at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

The Pride of Rivers, coached by Finidi George, overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit to advance 3-2 on aggregate.

Rivers United started strongly, with Wasiu Falolu opening the scoring in the 15th minute.

Maclyn Biokpo Jerewari doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute to give the hosts control going into the break.

The visitors pulled one back two minutes into the second half through Moctar Diallo, but Rivers United restored their two-goal advantage in the 76th minute when Timothy Zachariah found the net to seal victory.

With the win, Rivers United became the first Nigerian club in recent years to reach the CAF Champions League group stage — a notable achievement for the Port Harcourt-based side.

Meanwhile, Nigeria Premier Football League champions Remo Stars face an uphill battle in their second leg against Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa.

The Nigerian side trails 5-1 on aggregate after the first-leg defeat in Abeokuta last weekend.

 

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Oluwaseun Oyediji
Oluwaseun Babatunde Oyediji is a multi-media sports journalist with over 10 years experience in Information Communication Technology (ICT), women's football, and beach soccer reportage.The prolific writer is the Media Assistant to Nigeria Beach Soccer League and Africa Beach Soccer Union as well as contributor on Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) website.He has covered multiple national and international football tournaments including Championship of African Nations (CHAN 2020), CAF Women's Champions League (2023), and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).Since 2021, Oyediji has covered the NWFL Premiership especially the season ending Super Six Playoffs.A member of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun state chapter is also the image maker of the Remo Sports Development Council under the leadership of Chief Falilat Ogunkoya and David Osuolale.