The two remaining Nigerian clubs in continental competitions are heading for a clash for a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup group phase.
Enyimba, who dropped down from the Champions League after losing their qualifying tie to Sudan’s Al Merrikh, and Rivers United have been drawn against each other in the final qualifying round of the Confederation Cup.
Rivers United’s place in the round, however, depends on how their matter with Bloemfoenten Celtic is resolved by CAF after the South Africans were not allowed in to Nigeria due to the prevalence of a new strain of COVID-19 in the country.
Rivers United won the first qualifying round first leg clash 2-0 in South Africa and are favourites to go through but they could be undone by an off-the-field decision by CAF.
Either way, according to Friday’s draw, Enyimba face Rivers United or Bloemfoenten Celtic in the next round.
In some of the other fixtures decided at the draw, Champions League dropouts Raja Casablanca of Morocco take on Senegal’s ASC Jaraaf; CS Sfaxien of Tunisia face AS Kigali of Rwanda, and Libya’s Ahli Benghazi are up against DR Congo’s Motema Pembe.
Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko will square off with Algeria’s ES Setifienne, while Mali’s Stade Malien face Algeria’s JS Kabylie.
The draw for the CAF Champions League was also held on Friday, with Group D looking like the toughest as it contains accomplished clubs Esperance of Tunisia, Zamalek of Egypt and MC Alger of Algeria as well as giant killers Teungueth FC of Senegal.
Group A has champions Al Ahly of Egypt, DR Congo’s AS Vita, Simba of Tanzania who eliminated Nigeria’s Plateau United, and Enyimba’s conquerors Sudan’s Al Merrikh.In Group B there are TP Mozembe of DR Congo, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, Al Hilal of Sudan and CR Belouizdad of Algeria.
Group C is made up of Wydad Athletic of Morocco, Horoya of Guinea, Petro Atletico of Angola and Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa.Attachments area
