Nigerian representatives in the African Cups suffered contrasting fortunes in far away Libya as Plateau United failed to qualify in the Confederation Cup, although Rivers United in the group stage after playing a 1-1 draw against Al Nasr.

Prior to this, Plateau United secured a lead score 4-1 in the first leg of the Confederation playoff, but suffered a 3-0 loss at the Benina Martyrs Stadium and left the competition on the away goal rule.

In the first half, Plateau United managed to play 0-0 but yielded in the second half when their opponent scored three goals after losing several chances in the first 45 minutes.

Fidelis Ikechukwu, the team’s coach later paid for their recklessness as they yielded the first two goals in the 62nd and 87th minute and in the fourth minute of the added time, the “Tin City” boys conceded the third goal.

As a result of their bad performance in Benghazi, the champions of the 2017 Nigeria Professional Football League failed to qualify for the group stage of the Confederation Cup.

On the other hand, NPFL defending champions, Rivers United played a 1-1 draw against the host Al Nasr to qualify for the group stage of the Confederation Cup.

The host Al Nasr scored the first goal by their team player Abdulsalam Al Fitouri in the 39th minute, and in the 57th minute, former Kano Pillars man, Nyima Nwagua scored a goal for Rivers United.

This is the first time a Nigerian club won the Confederation Cup title since it was introduced by CAF.