Mixed feelings trailed the performance of Nigeria’s representatives in the CAF Confederation Cup as Champions Rivers United scaled the hurdle of Al Nasr, while Plateau United blew a 3-1 first-leg advantage Al Akhdar.
It was news of Plateau United’s eliminated that stunned many, given they were in a healthy position coming from their comfortable first-leg win in Abuja.
The former NPFL champions led 3-1 from the home leg of the tie against Al Akhdar, but bottled it in Libya and lost 3-0.
Al Akhdar thus progressed to the group stage of the competition 4-4 on aggregrate, but punched the ticket on away goals rule – it left fans utterly disappointed with the Nigerian club.
Meanwhile, much later on Wednesday, Nigerian league champions defending a massive 5-0 lead from the first leg to grind out a draw.
The hosts went ahead in the 39th minute through Abdul Selam Al Fitouri, however, in the second half, the NPFL club came roaring back and just before the hour mark, Nwangwa Nyima leveled for the visitors.
Rivers United joins the other 15 teams that will take part in the group stage draw which comes up on November 16, in Cairo.
