Rivers United’s Joseph Onoja is optimistic that the Nigerian side can turn in another supreme effort against title-holders Wydad Casablanca this weekend to reach the African Champions League group stage for the first time.
Onoja starred as Rivers, who have been promised a financial windfall if they knock out their illustrious opponent, came from behind to defeat the Moroccans 2-1 in the first leg of their second preliminary round tie in the south-eastern city of Port Harcourt on Sunday.
Bouly Sambou gave three-time African champions Wydad a first-half lead that lasted only two minutes before Malachi Ohawume equalised, while Paul Acquah scored the 53rd-minute winner for the hosts.
“We bounced back from a debatable goal to win at home and we know what awaits us from their fans and the antics in Morocco,” midfielder Onoja, 23, told BBC Sport Africa.
“One thing I am sure of is that Wydad fans won’t come on the pitch to play. It’s us against the players and as defending champions, they will be under pressure.
“The most important thing for us is to walk away from the Mohammed V Stadium with a group-stage ticket.”
Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike rewarded each player with $20,000 for winning the Nigerian league for the first time in their history in June.
Wike has since doubled the incentive, with players expected to pocket $40,000 each should they eliminate Wydad and become the first Nigerian club into the group stage since Lobi Stars in 2018-19.