By Our Correspondent

Following the Confederation of Africa Football, CAF’s directive that the postponed first round second leg CAF Confederation Cup match between Rivers United of Nigeria and Bloemfontein Celtic of South Africa that the match should be held at a neutral ground, the rescheduled match will now be played in Cotonou, the capital of Benin Republic, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report

The match will hold on January 23.

Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Boma Iyaye disclosed this on Monday.

“The latest is that CAF has written to the Nigeria Football Federation to nominate a neighbouring country where the second leg will be played,” Hon. Iyaye told SPNAfricaNews.

“(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.”

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.”

Rivers United won the first leg of the tie 2-0 in South Africa in December last year

The winner of the encounter will battle former CAF Champions League champions, Enyimba International FC of Nigeria for a place in the group stage