2025/2026 CAF Champions League Review: Rivers United Qualify for Group Stage

Posted : 27 October 2025

Pride of Rivers Ends Nigeria’s Seven-Year Wait for CAF Champions League Group Stage Spot.

Rivers United have made history by defeating Mozambique’s Black Bulls to qualify for the CAF Champions League group stage for the first time, ending Nigeria’s seven-year absence from the competition.

The Pride of Rivers etched a golden chapter in Nigerian football history with a commanding 3–1 victory in Uyo, overturning a first-leg deficit to progress 3–2 on aggregate. This marks the first time a Nigerian club has reached the group stage since Lobi Stars’ 2018/2019 season appearance.

Playing at the Nest of Champions, Rivers United started brightly, and their early dominance paid off in the 15th minute when Wasiu Falolu converted from close range to give them the lead.

Their pressure continued, and in the 42nd minute, Maclyn Biokpo calmly scored from the penalty spot to make it 2–0, giving coach Finidi George’s side a firm grip on the game.

The visitors, however, responded early in the second half as Moctar Diallo scored in the 47th minute, becoming only the second player to breach Rivers United’s defense in this year’s competition.

Despite the setback, the Nigerians held their nerve and sealed the win in the 76th minute, when Timothy Zachariah fired home a stunning long-range strike to restore the two-goal cushion and secure a 3–1 victory.

It was the first time this season that Rivers United have scored more than one goal in a single match — a timely attacking improvement on their most crucial night of the campaign.

With this victory, Finidi George’s men will now join Africa’s elite clubs in the CAF Champions League group stage, scheduled to begin in November.

Rivers United now stand as Nigeria’s sole remaining representative on the continent, following the early exits of Abia Warriors and Kwara United in the preliminary rounds.

Meanwhile, Remo Stars, who suffered a 5–1 home defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in Abeokuta, are also on the verge of elimination.

The result officially ends Nigeria’s seven-year wait for a club in the CAF Champions League group stage, the last being Lobi Stars in 2018/2019, when they defeated UMS de Loum of Cameroon 2–1 on aggregate.

Rivers United’s triumph not only restores Nigeria’s presence in Africa’s premier club competition but also reinforces the belief that Nigerian football can once again compete with the continent’s best.

2025/2026 CAF Champions League Review: Rivers United Qualify for Group Stage

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