The Confederation Cup tie between Nigeria’s Rivers United and South Africa’s Bloemfontein Celtic may likely be staged in Cotonou, Benin Republic on January 23, BSNSports.com.ng reports.
This was exclusively revealed by the Rivers State Commissioner of Sports, Hon. Boma Iyaye on Monday via SPN African News.
Hon Iyaye disclosed that CAF has written to the Nigeria Football Federation to nominate a neighbouring country where the second leg will be played.
“(This is because) the COVID-19 protocols will not allow the South Africans to come to Nigeria for now. We are in touch with Benin Republic so very likely, the match will be played in Cotonou on January 23.”
Fortnight ago, the two clubs met in South Africa in December 2020, with the Nigerian club securing an excellent 2-0 victory to put one leg in the next round of the competition.
According to the South African Football Federation (Safa) “the decision to reschedule the match comes after Safa reached out to Caf to seek guidance on the matter after Celtic’s initial appeal to the Nigerian FA and Nigerian government was turned down.
“The Nigerian Football Federation to decide and communicate the venue, date, kick-off-time and the approval of the neutral host association by 12 January 2021 at the latest.
“The additional player registration period starts on the 10th of January 2021, the two teams shall not be allowed to field any of the players registered during this period for this match.”
