Rivers United have been knocked out of the CAF Champions League after a 2-2 draw with San Pedro of Cote d’Ivoire at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Despite recovering from a two-goal deficit, Finidi George’s team could not overturn the disadvantage from the tie’s first leg. The result left the sides level at 3-3 on aggregate, with San Pedro progressing under the away-goals rule.
The Port Harcourt club needed a decisive result to continue their continental campaign, but their comeback ultimately fell short. San Pedro held on to secure a place in the next round and end Rivers United’s involvement in the competition.
Rangers overcome Sobemap on penalties
Nigeria’s other representatives in the CAF Champions League, Enugu Rangers, advanced to the second preliminary round after beating Sobemap FC of Benin 5-4 on penalties.
The second leg at the Stade de Kegue in Lome finished 1-1 after regulation time. That left the aggregate score at 2-2, forcing the tie to be decided by a shootout.
Rangers held their nerve from the spot to complete the victory and book their place in the next stage.
They will face Algerian club MC Alger next month, with qualification for the group stage at stake.