Nigerian derby looms on the continent in the CAF Confederation Cup

After dropping out of the CAF Champions League following defeat to Sudanese side El Merreikh, Nigeria’s most successful club side, Enyimba International entered into Thursday’s second preliminary round draw for the CAF Confederation Cup. Already in the draw was fellow Nigerian side, Rivers United, after their unresolved game against Bloemfontein Celtic.

Enyimba have been drawn against the winners of the tie between Rivers United and South African side, Bloemfontein Celtic. The first preliminary round second leg tie between Rivers United and Bloemfontein Celtic was postponed due to issues arising from COVID-19, and it remains to be seen when the match will hold. Rivers United hold a comfortable 2-0 lead after having won the first leg away in South Africa, and just need to avoid defeat to qualify for two games against Enyimba.

The second preliminary round is billed to hold over two legs on the 14th and 21st of February 2021. Rivers United and Enyimba are the only two NPFL teams left in continental competition this season, and at least one of them is not going beyond the second preliminary round.