Rivers United arrives Porto Novo, ready for Bloemfotein clash

Rivers United arrived Benin Republic for the CAF Confederations Cup rescheduled match against Bloemfontein Celtics of South Africa. The game will hold tomorrow at Stade Charles De Gaulles, De Porto Novo.

The NPFL table leaders, who have 2-0 goals advantage against the South African club, were made to play the return leg against Celtics in a neutral venue owing to the opponent’s inability to meet the Covid-19 protocols outlined by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

According to the Media Officer of Rivers United, Charles Mayuku, the Port Harcourt-based side departed Nigeria vie Lagos on Thursday for Benin Republic to prepare for the game.

He noted arriving Benin Republic early would give Rivers United the opportunity to practice well on the pitch that will be used for the tie.

“The match will hold at the Stade Charles De Gaulles De Porto Novo, Benin Republic on January 23, at 16.00hrs Local time. Rivers United departed Port Harcourt on Wednesday for Lagos State. The team slept in Lagos and travelled to Benin Republic on Thursday. All hands are on deck for our success in Porto Novo,” he said.

Rivers United will be looking to battle their Nigerian counterparts, Enyimba FC of Aba, if it earns the required result against Celtics to qualify for the next round of the Confederations Cup.

It will be recalled that Rivers United FC return leg game against Celtics of South Africa was initially scheduled for Wednesday, January 6, at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, before the Nigeria government asked CAF to organise the game in neighbouring country due to Covid-19 scare.