Ruthless Pyramids Expose Rivers United as Continental Journey Ends in Uyo

Posted : 09 February 2026

Rivers United’s 2025/2026 CAF Champions League campaign came to a painful end on home soil after a commanding 4–1 defeat to defending champions Pyramids FC at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

The loss sealed a crushing 7–1 aggregate scoreline for the Egyptian giants, who underlined their status as one of Africa’s elite with a dominant second-half display that completely dismantled the Pride of Rivers.

For a brief spell, it appeared Rivers United might script a different story.

In the 33rd minute, Stephen Manu ignited hope inside the stadium with a thunderous long-range effort that beat the Pyramids goalkeeper and handed the hosts a surprise lead. Rivers United were compact, disciplined, and purposeful in the first half, denying the visitors space and dictating the tempo.

But the script flipped dramatically after the interval.

Pyramids returned from the dressing room with greater urgency and began to impose their authority. Their equaliser arrived in the 53rd minute when Mostafa Fathi finished calmly after being teed up by Mostafa Zico. That goal shifted the momentum irreversibly.

Rivers United gradually retreated into their shell as the Egyptians tightened their grip on the match, forcing defensive errors and stretching the Nigerian side with intelligent movement and superior pace.

The decisive moment came in the 77th minute when a handball inside the box gifted Pyramids a penalty. Marwan Hamdi converted with composure to put the visitors ahead for the first time on the night.

Chasing the game left Rivers United exposed. Substitute Awda Al-Fakhoury struck in the 88th minute to mark his debut goal for the club, before Nasser Maher completed the rout in stoppage time, capping a devastating 14-minute spell that silenced the home crowd.

The victory lifted Pyramids to 13 points, comfortably topping Group A and confirming their place in the knockout rounds.

For Rivers United, the defeat means they finish bottom of the group with just one point, bringing their continental adventure to an abrupt and sobering conclusion.

Head coach Finidi George admitted afterwards that his team could not match the quality and intensity of the reigning champions, particularly in the second half.

“We controlled the game and got our goal in the first half, but indecision and mistakes during tackles cost us. They were faster, and it became difficult for the players to contain them after the break,” Finidi reflected.

The result not only highlights the gulf in experience and composure at this level but also serves as a harsh lesson for Rivers United as they look to rebuild for future continental ambitions.

Ruthless Pyramids Expose Rivers United as Continental Journey Ends in Uyo

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