Rivers United have alleged a widespread campaign of abuse, intimidation and violent threats by fans of Confederation Cup play-off opponents Al Masry ahead of Sunday’s return leg in Alexandria.

The Nigerian side hold a 2-1 lead from the first leg and will progress to the group stage of CAF’s second-tier inter-club competition with a draw in Egypt.

Ahead of the return leg, Rivers United have alleged a widespread plot to scuttle their chances of getting a result in Egypt after they were denied entry visas by the Egyptian embassy in Nigeria and targeted with violent threats and abuse by fans of Al Masry on social media.

Rivers United media officer Mayuku Charles released a series of messages including statements like “we will kill you,” “welcome to hell,” and photos of knives and machetes allegedly posted Al Masry fans threatening violence at players and officials of the Nigerian side.

The Nigerian side also suggested Egyptian government officials are also working to derail their campaign and allege there are plans to weaponise Covid-19 regulations to further undermine the team ahead of the return league.

Charles say Rivers United have alerted CAF, the Nigeria Football Federation and the Nigerian embassy in Egypt to the ‘unsavoury and barbaric’ antics of the Egyptians.

Rivers United are set to depart for Egypt on Thursday for Sunday’s return leg which is billed to kick-off at 5pm Nigerian time.