Nigerian champions Rivers United have had their bus sprayed with poisonous chemicals and over N3.8 million stolen ahead of the all-important CAFCC clash with Young Africans.
The Pride of Rivers have a real battle on their hands after they were attacked while in training on Saturday evening.
Rivers United are in Tanzania for the decisive CAFCC quarterfinal second leg clash against Young Africans.
The Nigerian champions are down on aggregate after the Tanzania side defeated them 2-0 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria in the first leg.
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Sunday's encounter will see the aggregate winner proceed to the semifinal to take on either Egypt's Pyramid or South Africa’s Gallants FC.
Rivers United’s players suffer abuse
However, according to the team’s media, Rivers United were attacked this evening with their team bus sprayed with poisonous chemicals. At the same time, the players were strangled in training.
“The Pride of Rivers while completing their final training session noticed that their team bus was broken into and sprayed with toxic chemicals,” the team’s media noted.
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The Federation Cup was earlier scheduled to hold on Wednesday at the Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo
The club also confirmed that a sum of $5, 250 was stolen with CAF officials led by the General Coordinator, Ali Nwebe, on the ground to witness the incident alongside Head of Security Jamil Bawalaggana Mpagi.
Rivers United stars plea for support
Meanwhile, Rivers United superstars Nyima and Onoja have called on Nigerians to support the NPFL champions ahead of the decider against Young Africans in the CAFCC.
The duo made the plea as the Pride of Rivers face possible elimination from the competition following a disappointing defeat in Nigeria during their quarterfinal first leg tie last week
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The Tanzanian giants can write a new chapter in their history if they make it to the last four and there are more incentives on the way.
Speaking first on the game, enigmatic forward, Nyima was the first urge for more support with the former Kano Pillars man noting that the game against Young Africans has become a Nigerian affair.
“You have always been with us,” Nyima said. “We urge you to keep supporting us and pray for us.”
On his part, talented midfielder Onoja reflected on the first leg disappointment before urging for more support to help the Pride bring back the smiles.
“We know how long that they (fans) have been waiting for this, for us to come this far. But it was disappointing that our last outing was not what they expected.”