Nigeria recorded mixed fortunes in CAF club competitions as Rangers International and El-Kanemi Warriors progressed to the next round, while Rivers United and Shooting Stars saw their continental campaigns come to an early end.
El-Kanemi Warriors survived a difficult second leg against UDIB in Guinea-Bissau, losing 1-0 but advancing 3-1 on aggregate in the CAF Confederation Cup.
The Borno Army had done the major work in the first leg in Ikenne, where they secured a commanding 3-0 victory through a brace from Nnamdi Mejuobi and a late strike from Dayo Wahab.
UDIB gave themselves hope with a 1-0 victory at home, but the Guinea-Bissau side could not score the additional goals required to overturn the deficit as El-Kanemi protected their advantage to book a place in the next round.
However, Shooting Stars were unable to join them after surrendering their first-leg advantage against CS Sfaxien in Tunisia.
The Ibadan side travelled with a 1-0 lead but suffered a 2-0 defeat to bow out 2-1 on aggregate.
Iyed Belwafi cancelled Shooting Stars’ first-leg advantage with the opening goal in the 27th minute before Youssef Habchia struck in the 68th minute to put the Tunisian side ahead in the tie.
The Oluyole Warriors could not find the goal needed to rescue their campaign, leaving El-Kanemi as Nigeria’s remaining representative in the CAF Confederation Cup.
There was also disappointment for Rivers United in the CAF Champions League as the Port Harcourt side were eliminated following a 2-2 draw with FC San Pedro at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
The result left the tie level at 3-3 on aggregate after both teams had drawn 1-1 in Côte d’Ivoire.
Rivers United endured a difficult start as San Pedro scored twice inside the opening 20 minutes. Chijioke Mbaoma reduced the deficit from the penalty spot in the 41st minute before Douglas Iyowuna equalised in the second half.
Despite mounting late pressure in search of another goal, Rivers United could not find the breakthrough as San Pedro progressed on away goals.
Their elimination leaves Rangers International as Nigeria’s remaining representative in the CAF Champions League.
The Flying Antelopes had earlier secured their passage after a tense preliminary-round battle with AS Sobemap of Benin Republic. Both legs finished 1-1, leaving the aggregate score at 2-2 before Rangers prevailed 5-4 in the penalty shootout.