The last Nigerian side to reach the final of Africa’s prestigious CAF Champions League was Heartland FC of Owerri after they defeated fellow Nigerian side in the CAF Champions League 2008/2009 Semifinal but they were defeated by one of Africa’s powerhouse in TP Mazembe of Congo.
After that final defeat, no Nigerian side has ever reached the platinum stage again.
Sunshine Stars of Akure under the watch of Segun Ogunbote came as close as reaching the semi-finals in the 2011/2012 season but didn’t have that extra gear to make it to the final on that occasion as the Akure Gunners lost out to eventual winners Al Ahly.
Two Nigerian clubs began their quest to end the absence of Nigerian clubs in the CAF Champions.
On Sunday NPFL Champions Rivers United defeated Liberian Champions 3-0 while Plateau United drew 2-2 with Stade Mandji in Gabon on Saturday.
Many Nigerian football enthusiasts believe Rivers United will be a force to recon with in the CAF Champions League but they will face a though test in defending CAF Champions League winners Wydad AC if they eventually get past Watanga FC.
However, the Pride of Rivers will sure take positives from the Super Cup after winners of the CAF Confederations Cup RSB Bekane defeated Wydad AC 2-0 in the battle of African Champions on Saturday 10th September, 2022.
It’s left to see if the Pride of Rivers or Plateau United will get to the final and maybe go all the way like Enyimba International in both 2003 and 2004.
ABIAZIEM OLISA
Leave a Reply