Rivers United progressed to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League after edging past FC Les Aigles with a narrow 1-0 aggregate victory on Sunday.
The decisive moment came on the stroke of halftime at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, when Stephen Manyo struck in the first minute of added time to hand the Pride of Rivers a slender lead.
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His goal proved to be the difference over the two-legged tie, as the Nigerian side held firm to secure passage into the next round.
The win keeps Nigeria’s hopes alive in the competition, particularly with Remo Stars already advancing to face South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns.
Rivers United will now prepare for a tricky contest against Black Bulls of Mozambique in the second preliminary round, which serves as the penultimate hurdle before the lucrative group stage.
The Port Harcourt-based side will be hoping to go one better than last season, when their continental journey ended at the same stage.
With Nigeria’s coefficient ranking also at stake, both Rivers United and Remo Stars will be aiming for strong performances to restore the nation’s standing in African club football.
