CAFCC: Rivers United attacked, players strangled ahead of crunch tie in Tanzania

CAFCC: Rivers United attacked, players strangled ahead of crunch tie in Tanzania

Izuchukwu Akawor 20:19 - 29.04.2023

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.

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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.

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.

CAFCC: Rivers  United vs Young Africans
Rivers United are in Tanzania to take on Young Africans.

“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.

Rivers United face Young Africans in Tanzania
A screenshot of the bus being inspected in Tanzania.

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.

CAFCC: Rivers United vs Young Africans
Rivers United's Nyima Nwagua and Joseph Onoja in Tanzania.

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

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.

Rivers United face possible elimination.
Joseph Onoja could make a return to the United team after missing the first leg.

“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.”

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