Nigerian Clubs Crash Out of CAF Confederation Cup as Rivers United Advance in Champions League
Nigerian Clubs Crash Out of CAF Confederation Cup as Rivers United Advance in Champions League
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
It was a weekend of mixed fortunes for Nigerian football on the continental stage as Abia Warriors and Kwara United crashed out of the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup, while Rivers United kept Nigeria’s hopes alive in the CAF Champions League (CAFCL).
Warriors and United Bow Out of Confederation Cup
Abia Warriors suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Djoliba FC of Mali on Sunday, sealing a 2-1 aggregate loss and ending their journey in the second-tier continental competition.
Similarly, Kwara United’s CAFCC campaign came to a disappointing end after a 1-0 home defeat to Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja. The result handed the visitors a 5-3 aggregate win over the Ilorin-based side, eliminating Nigeria’s final hope in the Confederation Cup.
With both exits, no Nigerian club will feature in the group stage of the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup season.
Rivers United Edge Closer to CAFCL Group Stage
In contrast, Akahi News gathered that Rivers United secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Les Aigles of DR Congo in Uyo, progressing to the final preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.
The decisive goal came in first-half stoppage time when defender Stephen Manyo capitalised on a goalkeeper’s spill to slot home a rebound. The solitary strike proved enough to secure a 1-0 aggregate win after a goalless first leg.
Coach Finidi George’s side will now face the winner between AC Léopards of Congo and Black Bulls of Mozambique in their quest to reach the lucrative CAFCL group stage.
Match Results at a Glance
- Rivers United 1-0 Les Aigles (Agg: 1-0)
- Kwara United 0-1 Asante Kotoko (Agg: 3-5)
- Djoliba FC 1-0 Abia Warriors (Agg: 2-1)
Nigerian Football Fans React
Many Nigerian football supporters expressed disappointment at the Confederation Cup exits but lauded Rivers United for keeping the country’s continental ambitions alive.
Attention will now shift to Rivers United and Remo Stars as they battle for spots in the CAF Champions League group stage.
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