Rivers United to face holders USM Alger in CAF Confederation Cup last eight tie

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Rivers United, Nigeria’s sole representative in the CAF Confederation Cup, has been drawn against reigning champions USM Alger from Algeria in the quarter-finals.

The draw, held in Cairo, Egypt, enlisted former CAF/FIFA referee Daniel Bennett and 2015 AFCON winner Siaka Tiene as draw assistants.

The first leg of this highly anticipated encounter is scheduled to take place in Nigeria on March 31, with the return leg set for April 7, 2024, in Algeria.

The victor of this two-legged affair will advance to face either Abu Salem of Libya or former champions RS Berkane from Morocco.

Rivers United, aiming for a historic run, is no stranger to this stage, having made consecutive appearances in the quarter-finals.

However, they faced disappointment last season after bowing out to Young Africans from Tanzania. This season, the stakes are higher, with the competition winner set to claim a substantial $2 million prize.

The full draw also features other intriguing matchups, including Modern Future versus Zamalek SC, Abu Salem against RS Berkane, and Stade Malien versus Dreams FC.

FULL DRAW

Modern Future (Egypt) vs Zamalek SC (Egypt)

Abu Salem (Libya) vs RS Berkane (Morocco)

Rivers United (Nigeria) vs USM Alger (Algeria)

Stade Malien (Mali) vs Dreams FC (Ghana)