Enyimba will feature in the money-spinning group stage of the CAF Confederation thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper John Noble in the penalty shootout today.
Noble saved two penalties before he scored in sudden death for the Aba club to edge past fellow Nigerian club Rivers United 5-4 on penalties after aggregate scores were tied at 1-1 today.
Enyimba won the first leg of the playoff 1-0 in Aba, while Rivers United shaded the return leg by the same score today in Port Harcourt.
Striker Fortune Omoniwari put Rivers United in front after 43 minutes of action.
There were no more goals after that and the stalemate had to be decided on penalties.
Bamba scored for Rivers United, before Cyril Olisema missed for Enyimba.
Ifeanyi Amaenema made it 2-0 for Rivers United and then Samad Kadiri pulled a goal back from the penalty spot.
Kunle Odunlami’s kick for Rivers United was then saved by goalkeeper John Noble of Enyimba to allow Anayo Iwuala to draw level at 2-2 for the Aba club.
Godwin Aguda then made it 3-2 for Rivers United as Obot Orok also scored for Enyimba to make it 3-3.
Goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai put Rivers United ahead 4-3 only for Enyimba captain Austin Oladapo to make it 4-4.
Goalkeeper Noble then saved the kick of Rivers United Israel, before he scored his own penalty to ensure Enyimba’s qualification.
