It is the end of the road for two of Nigeria’s representatives at the CAF competitions, Kano Pillars and Plateau United as they crashed out of the Confederations Cup and Champions League respectively Saturday.
Pillars who lost 3-1 to Jaraaf FC last weekend were unable to overturn the deficit following a goalless draw in the second leg of the preliminary stage at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.
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Pillars needed at least 2 unreplied goals to qualify for the next round, but failed to achieve that.
The four-time Nigerian champions had a positive start as they mounted pressure on the visiting side, but were unable to break the tight defence.
In the 20th minute, the Masu Gida boys almost opened the scoreline when a dangerous cross into the area by Chris Madaki wasn’t well dealt with by Jaraaf backline but Nyima Nwagua’s poor touch gave the defence the ample opportunity to avert the danger.
Nyima in the 26th minute wasted another opportunity to score but his lame shot was easily picked by waiting arms of Jaraaf’s goalkeeper, Pape Ndiaye.
At the restart of the second half, Pillars became more ambitious to overturn the result, but were profligate in front of goal.
Tactical changes were made by the newly appointed Brazilian coach as Kenneth Amia’s introduction enlivened the Pillars side who were unable to find the goals they needed as the game ended 0-0 with Jaraaf winning the tie on 3-1 aggregate.
In the same vein, Plateau United’s continental sojourn also ended following their goalless draw against Tanzania’s Simba FC in the second leg of the preliminary stage of the CAF Champions League.
The Abdul Maikaba equally played out a goalless draw with their host, Simba FC in Tanzania.
The team needed at least a goal-to-nil scoreline to take the match to extra time but a resolute defending by the home team foiled all efforts the Nigerians made to score.
Clatus Chama’s sole goal in the first leg in Jos on Sunday was enough to put the Tanzanian outfit into the next round.
Meanwhile Enyimba and Rivers United fates will be decided today in the Champions League and Confederation Cup when they take on Rahimo FC and Futuro Kings respectively.
