Nigerian champions Rivers United have been drawn into a challenging Group A alongside RS Berkane (Morocco), Pyramids FC (Egypt), and Power Dynamos (Zambia) in the CAF Champions League group stage.
The official draw, conducted on Monday, marks a historic moment for the Pride of Rivers, who became the first NPFL club in six years to reach this stage of the competition after overcoming Black Bulls Maputo of Mozambique in the playoff round.
Speaking after the draw, Rivers United’s assistant coach, Yemi Olanrewaju, expressed his excitement and optimism about the club’s continental campaign.
“We are excited, you know, having qualified for the group stage. It’s the first time for an NPFL club in a very long time. So, for us, we are excited. We are looking forward to it, and we have to enjoy it,” Olanrewaju said.
The assistant coach, who played a key role in Rivers United’s qualification, acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge ahead but emphasized the team’s readiness and belief.
“We’re praying for an easy group because we know this is the highest level of football in Africa,” he added with a smile.
This season’s qualification is Rivers United’s first-ever appearance in the CAF Champions League group stage, following previous campaigns in 2017, 2022, and 2023, which ended in early eliminations (one first-round and two second-round exits).
Sixteen clubs have advanced to the group phase of Africa’s most prestigious club competition, divided into four groups of four.
With their place in Group A confirmed, Rivers United will now prepare to face some of the continent’s most formidable sides, including 2022 CAF Confederation Cup winners RS Berkane, Egyptian powerhouse Pyramids FC, and Zambia’s resilient Power Dynamos in what promises to be an exciting and competitive group stage.
