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CAF: Plateau, Rivers United Move Closer to Group Stage with Comfortable Wins

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Plateau, Rivers United

The quest of Nigerian clubs to retain four slots in continental club competitions next season received a massive boost yesterday as Plateau United and Rivers United won their respective home matches in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup play-off against Libyan oppositions.

Going by the new CAF rule, a Nigerian club side must reach the group phase of the continental club tournament and also proceed to at least the quarter-final to stand any chance of having two clubs in both the CAF Champions League and the Confederations Club tournaments.

Both Plateau United and Rivers United who were knocked out of the CAF Champions League did not disappoint yesterday as they picked massive wins in Port Harcourt and Abuja respectively.

Rivers United walloped El Nasr Bengazhi of Libya 5-0 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium while Plateau United defeated Al Akhdar 4-1 at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

Coach Stanley Eguma’s side dominated the game from the onset and got rewarded just after 12 minutes via an Ebube Duru strike before Kazie Enyinaya and Paul Acquah added up to the edge earning the hosts a three-goal lead going into the break.

The Pride of Rivers people continued their impressive performance after the break and after 64 minutes, Duru struck again to make it four, extending the Port Harcourt side’s lead to 4-0.

Both Rivers United and Plateau United who were knocked out of the CAF Champions League did not disappoint yesterday as they picked massive wins in Port Harcourt and Abuja respectively.

Rivers United walloped El Nasr Bengazhi of Libya 5-0 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium while Plateau United defeated Al Akhdar 4-1 at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

Coach Stanley Eguma’s side dominated the game from the onset and got rewarded just after 12 minutes via an Ebube Duru strike before Kazie Enyinaya and Paul Acquah added up to the edge earning the hosts a three-goal lead going into the break.

The Pride of Rivers people continued their impressive performance after the break and after 64 minutes, Duru struck again to make it four, extending the Port Harcourt side’s lead to 4-0.

A Malachi Ohawume volley eight minutes after helped the Nigerian champions to a comfortable win and will hope to complete the job when the return fixture takes place in Libya next Wednesday.

The reversed game will be held at the Martyrs Stadium, Benghazi, Libya.

In Abuja, goals from Mustapha Yuga and Ifeanyi Emmanuel in the 27th and 40th minutes were enough to secure a 2-0 first-half victory for Plateau United.

Neither of the two sides could find the back of the net in the second half of the encounter until the 75th minute when Albert Hilary extended Plateau United but the visitors pulled one back ten minutes later.

Moments later, Albert Hilary hit his brace of the evening to seal an impressive 4-1 victory for Plateau United going into the second leg of the fixture.

The overall winner of the two-legged fixture will progress to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup. Plateau United will lock horns with Al Akhdar in the second leg of the encounter next week on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, in Libya.

 

 

 

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EuroMatch NPFL: Inter Lagos Turn to Olusanjo Olutayo After Giwa’s Exit

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Inter Lagos have appointed Olusanjo Olutayo as their interim head coach following the departure of Shakiru Giwa.

READ ALSO: EuroMatch NPFL: Shakiru Giwa Steps Down as Inter Lagos Head Coach | Sports247 Nigeria

The Lagos-based club announced the appointment on its official social media page, welcoming Olutayo to the role as they prepare for their next fixture in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

“We are pleased to announce Coach Olusanjo Olutayo as our interim Head Coach. Welcome on board!” the club stated.

Sports247 had earlier reported Giwa’s departure from the club on Tuesday, October 13, after he stepped down from his position as head coach.

Giwa was instrumental in Inter Lagos’ promotion from the Nigeria National League (NNL) to the NPFL, marking a significant milestone in the club’s history.

However, the newly promoted side have struggled to make an impact in the top flight this season, with their opening eight league matches producing no victories.

Their latest setback was a 3-1 defeat away to Warri Wolves on Sunday, October 11, leaving them with just two points from eight matches.

Olutayo’s appointment now gives Inter Lagos a new coaching direction as they seek to improve their performances and turn their fortunes around in the league.

The interim coach will face the immediate task of preparing the team for their next NPFL encounter against Nasarawa United on Sunday, October 18.

The match presents an opportunity for Inter Lagos to begin a new chapter under their interim manager as they continue their search for a first league victory of the 2026/27 campaign.

The club has not yet announced whether Olutayo’s appointment will become permanent or how long he is expected to remain in charge.

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BEYOND THE STARPOWER! Why Nigeria’s Bench Stars Just Proved the Super Falcons Are Ready for Morocco!

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When ten-time African champions Nigeria completed a resounding 7-0 aggregate demolition of Comoros to advance in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Qualifiers, headlines immediately fixated on captain Rasheedat Ajibade’s early injury forced by a heavy first-half collision.

Yet, while anxious eyes watched Ajibade make way for Folashade Ijamilusi, the real story unfolding at Ikenne was a masterclass in tactical depth that should terrify their next opponents, Morocco.

Rather than crumbling under pressure after their talismanic leader left the pitch, Nigeria demonstrated lethal squad versatility. After a tense 40-minute struggle, Uchenna Kanu capitalised on an error by Comoros goalkeeper Aicha Said to set up Toni Payne for the opener.

However, the second-half introduction of Blessing Okpe for Gift Monday completely transformed the team’s attacking intensity.

Okpe brilliantly dazzled past two defenders on the flank to set up Payne’s second, before Ijamilusi delivered a picture perfect cross for Kanu to head home. Okpe then drew a foul in the 71st minute, allowing Christy Ucheibe to comfortably convert from the penalty spot to seal an emphatic 5-0 victory.

This ruthless performance sent a clear message across the continent. While media narratives paint Ajibade’s setback as a devastating blow, the bench unit showed that the Super Falcons possess terrifying offensive depth.

The ability of substitute players to step up and dismantle opposition defensive structures so effortlessly proves Nigeria is no longer dependent on individual stardom.

As the Super Falcons prepare for a tricky two-legged third-round battle against the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco, their tactical flexibility will be their ultimate weapon.

Morocco may hope to exploit a captain-less side, but Nigeria’s explosive bench options have just shown that their tactical depth can destroy any game plan.

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