Rivers United, Nigeria’s only representative in the CAF Confederations Cup, have been drawn against Algerian giants USM Algiers in the quarter-finals of the competition, Soccernet.ng reports.
Rivers United left it late in the group stage before sealing qualification to the knockout rounds. A 100th-minute goal from Kazie Godswill sealed a 2-1 win over Dreams FC, which ensured that they finished second in their group.
The draws for the quarter-finals took place on Tuesday, and the fixtures are now known. The Pride of Rivers have a tough job on their hands, as they will play USM Algiers.
The Algerian side finished top of the group with 13 points from their six games. They won four of their games, drew one, and lost one.
Rivers United will play the first leg at home at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt on March 30, while the second leg will take place on April 7 at the Stade Omar Hammadi Stadium in Algiers.
Generally, Nigerian clubs have not been performing well on the continent. They have often faltered against North African teams. Coach Stanley Eguma and his lads would have to be at their best tactically and technically to surmount the hurdle.
To stand a chance of qualifying, Rivers United would have to get a big win from the first leg in Port Harcourt.