Ovoke, Igbinoba bask in CCL glory

Rivers United midfielders Bernard Ovoke and Esosa Igbinoba have both expressed their delight following their roles in putting AS Real Bamako to the sword.

The pair delivered braces as United thumped the Malian side 4-0 at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt.

Ovoke, who was first to score, said: “I was not nervous before I took that spot kick. I am never nervous in such situations.

“All I was thinking about was making sure I hit the ball as hard as I could.
“It is a privilege to be the first ever Rivers United player to score in the CAF Champions League,” he added.

Igbinoba was also thrilled, saying: “I wasn’t happy that I had not scored for the club in my previous matches so to score twice in such an important match meant a lot to me.

“It was a big win but the match was very difficult for us, especially in the first half.
“The turning point was our second goal. I think they gave up after that,” he said.

Rivers United will now face the mighty Sudanese club, Al-Merrikh.
The first leg will be played in Port Harcourt on March 12 with the return fixture taking place at the Al-Merrikh Stadium, Omdurman a week later.

The winner of the tie will automatically qualify for the group stage of the competition.