Tag: Rivers United

• By David Oyekan

Zambian football legend Christopher Katongo has backed his country’s representatives, Power Dynamos, to progress from Group A of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League — while expressing doubts over Rivers United’s experience at this stage of the competition.

Speaking after the draw that placed Power Dynamos alongside RS Berkane (Morocco), Pyramids FC (Egypt), and Rivers United (Nigeria), Katongo said the group will test the tactical depth and continental maturity of all four teams, but remains confident that the Zambian champions can rise to the challenge.

 “I think Power Dynamos have a real chance to go through,” Katongo said. “Every team has a shot, but looking at my country’s team, they have what it takes. Rivers United don’t have much experience at this level, and that could trouble them. Pyramids FC and RS Berkane have been here several times and know how to navigate this competition.”

The former Zambia captain, who played a pivotal role in leading the Chipolopolo to their historic 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph, said continental experience often proves decisive in the CAF Champions League.

 “Every time a team participates in this competition, they grow — and that makes a difference. Power Dynamos are learning fast, but they’ll need discipline and consistency to survive this group,” he added.

Katongo, now 42, remains a respected voice in African football. During his career, he earned 97 caps for Zambia, scoring 23 international goals, and was named 2012 BBC African Footballer of the Year following his heroics at the AFCON in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

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He also featured prominently for clubs across Africa and Europe, including Jomo Cosmos (South Africa), Brøndby IF (Denmark), and Henan Jianye (China) — bringing a wealth of experience to his commentary on the continental scene.

Katongo, however, believes it will take more than passion to survive the campaign.

 “Rivers United must understand that this level demands experience and composure,” he noted. “In Africa, big teams punish small mistakes. But it’s a good opportunity for them to grow.”

The 2025/26 CAF Champions League group stage runs from November 21 to February 15, 2026, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout rounds.

Coach  Finidi George  has reacted calmly to the outcome of Monday’s CAF Champions League group stage draw, which placed Rivers United  in Group A alongside defending champions Pyramids FC of Egypt, Morocco’s RS Berkane, and Zambia’s Power Dynamos.

The draw, held in Johannesburg, saw 16 clubs split into four groups (A to D), with Rivers United emerging as Nigeria’s sole survivor on the continent following the early exits of Remo Stars, Kwara United and Abia Warriors in the qualifying rounds of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

The Pride of Rivers secured their place in the group stage after edging Mozambique’s Black Bulls 3–2 on aggregate in the second qualifying round, having earlier dispatched Congo Democratic Republic opposition in the preliminaries.

Their qualification marks a historic achievement, as they became the first Nigerian club to reach the CAF Champions League group stage since Lobi Stars in the 2018/19 season.

Reacting to the draw, Finidi acknowledged the strength of their Group A opponents but maintained confidence in his team’s ability to compete at the highest level.

 “It is no doubt a difficult group,” Finidi admitted. “But if you want to play in such a lucrative club competition, you must be ready to play against the best teams at some stages.

“We are going to prepare for the games, but for now our focus is on the domestic league. When the time comes for the CAF Champions League group stage, we will be primed for it by making the players mentally ready for the challenges at hand.”

Rivers United will look to build on their recent continental progress and aim to advance beyond the group stage for the first time in their history.

Finidi’s emphasis on balancing domestic commitments with continental ambitions reflects a pragmatic approach as the Port Harcourt-based side targets both consistency and growth on multiple fronts.

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With the group stage set to kick off in the weekend of November 21^st  to 23^rd, Finidi’s men are expected to intensify preparations, hoping to prove that Nigerian clubs still have what it takes to challenge Africa’s elite as the top two finishers in each of the four groups advance to the quarter-finals in March.

The  Full draw:

Group A: Power Dynamos (Zambia), Pyramids (Egypt), Renaissance Berkane (Morocco), Rivers United (Nigeria)

Group B: Al Ahly (Egypt), JS Kabylie (Algeria), Royal Armed Forces (Morocco), Young Africans (Tanzania)

Group C: Al Hilal (Sudan), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Mouloudia Alger (Algeria), St Eloi Lupopo (DR Congo)

Group D: Esperance (Tunisia), Petro Atletico (Angola), Simba (Tanzania), Stade Malien (Mali)

By Daniel Oyekan

Nigeria’s sole representatives on the continent, Rivers United, have been handed a tough draw in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League group stage, where they will face some of Africa’s strongest club sides.

The draw, conducted on Monday at the SuperSport Studios in Johannesburg, South Africa, placed the former Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions in Group A alongside RS Berkane of Morocco, Pyramids FC of Egypt, and Power Dynamos of Zambia.

This marks Rivers United’s first-ever appearance in the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition, following their 3–2 aggregate victory over Mozambique’s Black Bulls in the final qualifying round. The Port Harcourt-based club also became the first Nigerian side to reach the group phase since 2019.

Group A is widely regarded as one of the toughest of the draw. Pyramids FC, defending champions of the CAF Champions League, are among the early favourites to retain their title after defeating Mamelodi Sundowns 3–2 in last season’s final. RS Berkane, on the other hand, are the reigning CAF Confederation Cup champions, having lifted the trophy three times in the past six editions.

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While Rivers United face a daunting challenge against two continental powerhouses, Power Dynamos will also be looking to make an impression in their first group stage appearance since 2020 — making Group A, a blend of experience and emerging ambition.

Elsewhere, record 12-time winners Al Ahly of Egypt headline Group B alongside Young Africans (Tanzania), AS FAR (Morocco), and JS Kabylie (Algeria), while Mamelodi Sundowns lead Group C and Espérance de Tunis top Group D.

The CAF Interclub group stage will kick off between 21 and 23 November 2025, with two matchdays scheduled before the AFCON 2025 break in Morocco.

Matches will resume from January 23–25, 2026, before the knockout rounds begin on March 13, 2026.

The eventual winners of the competition, according to CAF,  will receive USD 4 million, while runners-up will earn USD 2 million.

Rivers United have received a major boost ahead of the CAF Champions League group stage as the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo has been approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for use as the only pitch with the facilities to host CAF games.

The approval comes after CAF’s latest round of stadium inspections aimed at ensuring facilities across Africa meet international standards for safety, broadcast quality, and infrastructure.

This development means Rivers United will host their home fixtures in Uyo after their traditional ground, the Adokie Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, was declared unfit to stage CAF matches.

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The Uyo arena—widely regarded as one of the finest in Africa—has consistently met CAF’s evolving requirements and has hosted several high-profile international and continental fixtures in recent years.

According to CAF’s updated list of approved venues, Morocco tops the continent with 12 approved stadiums, followed by South Africa (10), Algeria (7), Ivory Coast (6), and Egypt (5). Tunisia, despite its football pedigree, has only one approved venue, while several countries—including Sierra Leone, Sudan, and Zimbabwe—currently have none.

CAF officials are expected to continue inspections across the continent, with more venues to be added once they meet the confederation’s strict compliance standards.

The inclusion of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium highlights Akwa Ibom State’s consistent investment in world-class sports infrastructure and stands as a boost to Nigerian football’s continental image.

Both NPFL champions Remo Stars and runners-up Rivers United have been handed tough draws leading up to the money-spinning group stage of this season’s CAF Champions League.

Remo Stars will face US Zilimadjou of the Comoros Islands in the preliminary round with the overall winners set for a daunting playoff into the group stage against Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, 2016 winners and beaten finalists of the last edition.

Rivers United, on the other hand, await the champions DR Congo in the prelims, before a second round game against either AC Leopards of Congo or Black Bulls from Mozambique.

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Second round ties are fixed for between October 17 and 26.

The winners will advance to the group stage, which begins on November 21.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s rivalry with Ghana will be stirred again when Kwara United take on Asante Kotoko in the preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup, while Abia Warriors will be up against experienced campaigners Djoliba from Mali.

The winners between Nigerian cup holders Kwara United and Kotoko will do battle with Wydad Casablanca of Morocco in the second round.

Rivers United continued their preparations for the 2025/26 NPFL and CAF Champions League campaigns with a 1-0 victory over Cynosure FC NPFL Project Team in a preseason friendly played earlier today at the Garden City Sports Centre.

Samson Obi netted the winner in the 66^th  minute, capping off a solid team performance that offered valuable minutes to the squad as they build rhythm and cohesion ahead of a packed competitive season.

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The match also featured a celebratory moment off the pitch, as midfielder Osimaga Duke marked his birthday with teammates after the final whistle. We join the entire team in wishing him a fantastic year ahead.

Up next, Rivers United will return to the same venue on Saturday for another preseason fixture as preparations intensify for both domestic and continental challenges.

The pre-season football tournament tagged Eko International Cup, has entered crucial stage as the teams are battling for tickets to play in the final billed for Sunday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.

Nigeria’s representatives in the CAF Champions League, Rivers United played their first match against Shooting Stars on Wednesday and it was a scintillating encounter.

A goal in each half from Ubong Friday and Maclyn Biokpo were all the Garden City lads needed to whip the Ibadan based team 2-0 to top Group A with three points.

Ubong’s Free-kick goal in the closing stage of the first half was spectacular as it reminds one of such delivery in European Leagues especially the English Premier League.

It was a tight encounter but Rivers were more comfortable and clearly the better side. In spite of their good display, Technical Adviser Finidi George was very restless in the VIP boss as he gave out instructions to his assistants and players occasionally.

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Before the encounter, Media Officer of the team, Charles Mayuku, noted that the EIC would be taken seriously because of the team’s preparations for the continental assignment later in the year and the new league season.

“We have our target cut out and the technical crew is not joking with this event. For us, we take this event as a season starter especially because of some new players in our fold,” Mayuku said.

Ikorodu City, also in Group A settled for a 2-2 draw against Shooting Stars in the opener and will be up against River United in a decisive encounter that will determine who plays in the final or Third Place match on Sunday.

Host, Ikorodu City, need an outright win while a draw will be sufficient to see Rivers through to the final after sending Shooting Stars out on Wednesday.

Remo Stars also were off to a bright start with a 2-1 win over 36 Lions, who are out of the competition after losing two games in Group B.

The encounter between Smart City and Remo will also be interesting to decide the positions of teams from the group.

Executive Director, Publicity and Strategy for the Local Organising Committee of the EIC, Onome Obruthe, said the organizing team was proud to have four top NPFL teams with three of the best five last season taking part in the ongoing tournament.

One of Nigeria’s representatives in the CAF Champions League, Rivers United Football Club of Port Harcourt have confirmed participation in the forthcoming Eko International Cup.

SKI-Hi Entertainment in collaboration with the Lagos State Government is staging the competition expected to feature a total of eight teams.

The pre-season football tournament which runs between July 13 and 20 takes place at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, formerly Onikan Stadium with two matches to be played on a daily basis.

In a letter addressed to the organized and signed by Club Secretary, Ahmed Abdulrahman, Rivers United acknowledged receipt of invitation, adding that the team will participate with a strong squad in readiness for the new season.

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“We are thrilled to accept your invitation letter to participate in the upcoming pre-season tournament. We are honoured to be part of this prestigious event and look forward to competing with top-notch teams.

“Our team is committed to give its best Performance. We appreciate the opportunity as we confirm our participation,” the letter read in parts.

Media Officer of the Garden City-based side, Charles Mayuku, said the players were battle ready for the challenge in Lagos.

“The players are very happy that this opportunity is coming to prepare for the new season and the continent. We are in full gear and ready to make impact in Lagos,” Mayuku said.

Rivers United will be up against other top teams in the Nigeria Professional Football league like champions Remo Stars, Shooting Stars, Ikorodu City and Enyimba of Aba. Ghana’s Heart of Oaks and Kallon Stars of Sierra Leone are also on the cards for the competition but their participation are still being worked out by the organisers.

The Executive Director, Publicity and Strategy for the Local Organizing Committee of the EIC, Onome Obruthe, said the draw of the event will take place after the teams arrive Lagos.

“We look forward to exciting competition for the teams,” Obruthe said.