Alex Oyowah netted two rapid goals, securing a 2-0 victory for Rivers United against Etoile Filante. This victory ensures their qualification for the group stages of this season’s CAF Confederation Cup, with the match taking place on Sunday in Port Harcourt.
The 2022 champions of the Nigeria Premier League faced tough competition from their counterparts from Burkina Faso, missing two penalty opportunities. They managed to break through late in the game.
In the 89th minute, Oyowah finally scored, breaking the deadlock. He secured a second goal in added time from the penalty spot. During the first half, Endurance Ebedebiri’s attempt from 12 yards was stopped by the visitors’ goalkeeper, while Farouk Mohamed hit the post from the second penalty in the second half.
Stanley Eguma’s team received a bye in the initial qualifying round and were then drawn against Etoile Filante in the final round of qualifiers. The first leg in Ivory Coast ended in a draw.
Similar to last season, the Port Harcourt club is the sole Nigerian team to advance to the continent’s group stages this season, as Enyimba, Remo Stars, and Bendel Insurance were unable to do so.
Enyimba and Remo Stars were eliminated in the first round of the CAF Champions League, while Bendel Insurance were defeated 3-2 on aggregate by RS Berkane in the Confederation Cup.
Stanley Eguma’s team made it to the quarter-finals of the competition last season but were ultimately knocked out by the Tanzanian club Young Africans.