Rivers United have sealed qualification after defeating Mozambique’s Black Bulls 3–2 on aggregate, becoming the first club from Nigeria to reach the tournament’s group stage since Lobi Stars did so in the 2018/19 season.
Their success also underscores the early impact of Finidi George as manager, as Rivers United now prepare for the group stage draw on November 3, where they will face some of Africa’s top clubs.
The Bulls had edged Rivers United 1-0 in the first leg of the encounter in Maputo last week.
The Nigeria Premier Football League side turned the tie around with a 3-1 victory in the return leg, which was held at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday.
Wasiu Falolu put Rivers ahead in the 15th minute with a brilliant finish, and just before halftime, Maclyn Biokpo added the second from the spot.
Black Bulls pulled one back after the break through Moctar Diallo to tie the encounter.
However, Rivers clinched the win in the 75th minute, with Timothy Zachariah’s superb strike securing history for Finidi George and his team.
