Eguma happy over Nigeria’s retained continental spots
Rivers United FC Coach speaks on lessons following CAF Confederation Cup exit
The Technical Adviser of Rivers United, Stanley Eguma has described as ” applaudable” news that Nigeria will retain four continental spots for next season.
This was part of remarks by the Rivers United FC gaffer days after his teams CAF Confederation Cup Final exit in the hands of Tanzanian Club Young Africans SC.
Eguma admitted this seasons participation in CAF club competitions has afforded the club valuable lessons.
The reigning NPFL Champions finished second in the group stage to reach the quarterfinals of this season’s TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, the first in the club’s history.
A 0-2 quater-final aggregate loss to Young Africans SC aborted Rivers United FC hopes of a title win, but Eguma will take solace in the lessons learnt and slots retained for Nigeria.
“It’s disappointing to crash out of the competition, ” Eguma told the Rivers United FC media.
” If we had a better game in the first leg it would have been a different situation in the reverse fixture, because the boys came out to play stronger in Dar es Salam, it is a big lesson for us but we are looking out for better performances in the nearest future.
” One good thing is that we were able to secure the four slots for Nigeria in the continent, because qualifying to the group phase and going beyond to the quarterfinal stage has secured Nigeria’s slots in the continent”. he said.
After a hectic schedule that has seen the team compete for honours in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup plus engagements in the domestic front, Eguma had kind words for the teams financiers and supporters.
“I want to thank His Excellency the financier of the club Barrister Nyesom Wike who has really stood behind us, supporting us in all aspects of our progress.” Eguma continued.
” I will also want to thank the Honourable Commissioner for Sports Barrister Christopher Green who is also a technocrat, who knows what it takes to succeed in the game of football and then the management led by Dr Okey Kpalukwu who has also been there working hard, round the clock to see that the team succeed.
” The technical crew and the players who are the main actors. I will not fail to thank our supporters who have always cheered us on. They are always there and provide the needed support”. he concluded.
With their exit from the CAF Confederation Cup, Rivers United FC will turn attention to their Nigeria Premier Football League title defence plus the Federation Cup where the face Enyimba International FC in a Round of 64 clash on Thursday May 4, 2023.
