Former Rivers United forward Victor Ezeji has tipped the team to stage a comeback against Young Africans in the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final match.

Ezeji revealed that the Young Africans CEO, Andre Mtine told him prior the quarter-final draw, that they would prefer to play the Nigerian champions.

The first leg match in Uyo ended 2-0 in favor of Yanga, but Rivers United did not play badly according to the former Striker, “but the players were only not switched on”.

He also dismissed the popular idea that the defeat was down to complacency and explained that it was down to fatigue and that they missed a couple of players whom the team has been built around -Joseph Onoja, Maurice Chukwu and Ukeme Williams.

Without the midfielders, the team lacked creativity and it cost them. Their highest goal scorer in the competition, Paul Acquah, was also injured before the match.

“They did not play badly, but the chances were not created, probably because of the injuries, and then Paul Acquah was injured, it was not a bad game,” Ezeji noted.

“It (2-0 first-leg result) can be upturned with the right frame of mind, the right mentality, the right players. Fatigue also played a part in the defeat,” He told FL.

“The coach needs to relax the drills a little bit because of the fatigue, but they have the quality to win the second leg.”