Nigeria’s representatives in the CAF Confederation Cup, Rivers United, are primed to take a major step towards progressing into the next round when they face Congolese side, Motema Pembe, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Wednesday. The Pride of Rivers are riding high, having recorded a famous 1-0 away win over the same opponents in Luanda on match-day three, thanks to a goal from Ghanaian star Paul Acquah.
Rivers United currently top Group B with 6 points, two points clear of second-place ASEC Mimosas and Diables Noirs of Congo Brazzaville, who are tied on the same points but the Ivorian side has a better head-to-head record against the Congolese team.
Rivers United coach, Stanley Eguma, is aware of the importance of the game, and has worked hard to ensure the team is prepared for the clash. Eguma said: “This point in the group stage is very dicey. Every club are doing what they can to earn a ticket to the next round. We know it’s tough because we played the same opponents last week and it was a hard-fought victory for us. So, coming back to play the same team at home, we know they will be looking for a revenge, but we are also prepared to get our tactics right to get the victory. We are prepared.”
With a win, Rivers United will move to nine points in the group with two games left to play and they could book their spot in the next stage of the competition by avoiding defeat in the next home game against Diables Noirs. The other Group B fixture will see ASEC Mimosas and Diables Noirs clash.
Rivers United currently occupy a play-off position in Group B with 15 points and a game in hand against Enugu Rangers to come on March 15. The team will be hoping to replicate the result from the first leg of the match and take a big step closer to qualification for the next round of the competition.
