RIVERS United’s trip to Egypt for their CAF Confederation Cup play-off return leg against Al Masry is in jeopardy, according to the Nigerian club.
The first leg of the play-off for the group stage ended 2-1 in favour of Rivers United last weekend in Aba.
The Port Harcourt club’s media team cried out on Wednesday, lamenting that the Egyptian embassy has refused to give some of their contingent visas.
“In what is fast unfolding as yet another ugly chapter in African football, Rivers United has decried the antics of Egyptian side Al Masry ahead of this weekend’s CAF TotalEnergies play-off return leg clash in Alexandria,” Rivers United wrote in a press statement.
“Ahead of this weekend’s encounter, Rivers United has uncovered plots by Al Masry to unsettle the team. Speaking on the progress of preparation, Media Officer of Rivers United, Charles Mayuku, revealed that some members of Rivers United contingent for the tie have been denied entry visa into Egypt by the Egyptian Embassy, including two journalists.”
Rivers United also accused Al Masry of using official channels to threaten the Nigerian side.
The Egyptians have allgedly threatened to hurt members of Rivers United during their visit to Alexandria for the second leg. Threat statements like “we will kill you,” “welcome to hell,” and photos of knives, machetes, and flares dominated comments below Al Masry’s official posts, Rivers United claimed.
Rivers United also alleged that they suspected that their Covid-19 tests would be manipulated ‘to further weaken the resolve of the team’.
The Nigerian club said they had drawn the attention of the Confederation of African Football in writing, through the Nigeria Football Federation, as well the Nigerian Embassy in Egypt to Al Masry’s antics.
Still, the club said they remain focused and are set to fly out of Nigeria on Thursday for Sunday’s fixture which is billed to kick off at 5pm Nigerian time.
