CAF rules on Rivers United continental assignment

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Monday waded in on the ongoing issue regarding the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary round between Nigerian side, Rivers United and Bloemfontein Celtic of South Africa.

Rivers United triumphed in the first leg in South Africa 2-0, and the second leg was due to hold on the 6th of January in Port Harcourt, but issues of COVID-19 travel restrictions came in and the South African side could not show up for the game. Both sides went on to play in their respective leagues over the weekend, ruling out any news of a COVID outbreak with Bloemfontein Celtic playing a 1-1 draw against Amazulu FC in the ABSA premiership and Rivers United handing a 3-0 defeat to Kwara United in the NPFL.

CAF therefore have ruled that the match be played between the 22nd and 24th of January at a neutral venue which would permit travellers from South Africa to easily make the journey. The venue would be communicated in due course to the clubs by CAF. The winners of the tie would qualify to face Nigerian side and two-time CAF Champions League winners, Enyimba in the second preliminary round on the 14th and 21st of February over two legs.