Rivers United’s campaign in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League came to an end on Sunday as they were eliminated by San Pedro FC on away goals following a 3-3 aggregate draw.
The Pride of Rivers had secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw away from home in the first leg at the Laurent Pokou Stadium, boosting their hopes of completing the job in the return fixture.
However, Rivers United found themselves in serious trouble after San Pedro scored twice in the first half at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, putting the Ivorian side 3-1 ahead on aggregate.
The NPFL side refused to give up and mounted a spirited comeback. Few minutes before half time, Chijioke Mbaoma converted from the penalty spot to reduce the deficit to 2-1 and 3-2 on aggregate.
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Mbaoma then stepped up again late in the game to score another penalty, completing the comeback and restoring parity at 2-2 and 3-3 on aggregate.
Despite their determined effort to avoid defeat, Rivers United were unable to find the goal that would have secured their progression, with San Pedro advancing on away goals.
The result brings Rivers United’s continental campaign to an early end, leaving Enugu Rangers as Nigeria’s only remaining representative in the CAF Champions League.
The NPFL champions secured their place in the second preliminary round after defeating AS Sobemap on penalties following a 1-1 draw in both legs.
Rangers will now face MC Alger in the second preliminary round as they continue their pursuit of a place in the CAF Champions League group stage.
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