Rivers United crash out of CAF Champions League

Rivers United's CAF Champions League dream ended heartbreakingly after a dramatic 2-2 draw against San Pedro of Côte d'Ivoire saw the Nigerian side eliminated on the away-goals rule despite mounting an impressive comeback in Uyo.

Finidi George's men fought back from a two-goal deficit at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, but the final whistle confirmed a painful exit as the tie finished 3-3 on aggregate, with San Pedro progressing thanks to their two away goals.

While Rivers United bowed out, fellow Nigerian representatives Enugu Rangers kept the country's hopes alive by edging Sobemap FC in a dramatic penalty shootout.

The Port Harcourt club entered the second leg needing a strong performance after earning a valuable 1-1 draw away in Côte d'Ivoire.

However, the visitors stunned the home crowd by racing into a two-goal lead, leaving Rivers United with a mountain to climb.

The Nigerian side responded with determination, producing a spirited comeback to level the match at 2-2, but they were unable to find the decisive goal that would have sent them through.

With the aggregate score tied at 3-3, San Pedro advanced under the away-goals rule, bringing Rivers United's continental campaign to an abrupt end.

Elsewhere, Enugu Rangers ensured Nigeria will still have a representative in the competition's next round.

The Flying Antelopes survived a tense encounter against Sobemap FC of Benin Republic before prevailing 5-4 on penalties to seal qualification.

The dramatic victory sends Rangers into the second preliminary round, where an even tougher challenge awaits.

Rangers' reward is a blockbuster clash against Algerian giants MC Alger, one of North Africa's most experienced clubs in continental competition.

The two-legged tie next month will determine who earns a place closer to the CAF Champions League group stage.