Nigeria’s sole representatives in the continent, Rivers United, secured a spot in the quarter-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Despite falling behind 1-0 to Dreams FC of Ghana in their last group game at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Sunday, Rivers United displayed resilience.
Knowing they had to surpass a 2-1 deficit from the reverse fixture, they equalized in the 61st minute through Deputy Echeta.
With the need for two more goals for a clear advancement, Kazie Enyinnaya sealed the win in the 10th minute of added time.
This 2-1 victory positioned Rivers United in second place in Group C with 12 points, as Club Africain of Tunisia drew 1-1 with Academica Petroleos do Lobito in Tunis.
Despite an unexpected result, the Angolan side’s previous losses paved the way for Rivers United to progress.
The Tunisian side, finishing with 10 points, would have topped the group on a better head-to-head record if they had won.
Dreams FC claimed the group’s top spot with 12 points and a superior goal difference over Rivers United, while APC Lobito finished last with just one point.
The upcoming quarter-finals draw will see group winners, including USM Alger of Algeria, Zamalek of Egypt, Dreams FC of Ghana, and RSB Berkane of Morocco, facing the runners-up, including Future FC of Egypt, Abu Salim of Libya, Rivers United of Nigeria, and Stade Malien of Mali.