Nigeria’s only representative on the continent, Rivers United, will face Algerian side USM Alger in the quarter-finals of the 2023/2024 CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC), www.aclsports.com reports.
The Pride of Rivers are playing in the last eight of the continental competition for the second season in a row and they now have a big task on their hands, as they have been paired with the defending champions of the competition in the draws done on Tuesday afternoon in Cairo.
USM Alger created history by clinching their first-ever continental title last season when they edged out Tanzania’s Young Africans (Yanga) – the side who knocked United out in the quarter-finals of the competition – on the away goals rule in a thrilling final. However, they now have the Nigerian side standing in their way as they hope to progress into the final four for the second consecutive season.
During the group stages of the competition, Rivers United won four games and booked their spot in the final eight in dramatic fashion as runners-up to Dreams FC of Ghana. On the other hand, USM Alger finished top of Group A with 13 points.
The first leg match of Rivers United vs USM Alger will take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, also known as the Nest of Champions, Uyo on Sunday, 31st March, 2024 before the return leg in Algeria on Sunday, 7th April, 2024. Meanwhile, the winner over both legs will face the winner of the other quarterfinal tie between Abu Salem (Libya) and RS Berkane (Morocco) in the semifinals of the competition.
This is the first time both teams will face each other in a CAF continental engagement. However, USM Alger recently faced another Nigerian side – Plateau United – in the second preliminary round game of the CAF Champions League and won the tie 5-2 on aggregate.
CAF Confederation Cup Quarter-final draw in Full
Future FC (Egypt) v Zamalek (Egypt)
Abu Salem (Libya) v RS Berkane (Morocco)
Rivers United (Nigeria) v USM Alger (Algeria)
Stade Malien (Mali) v Dreams FC (Ghana)
