The Pride of Rivers overturn a first-leg deficit to become Nigeria’s first club in the group phase since 2018.
It was a night to remember for Nigerian club football as Rivers United produced a gutsy comeback to qualify for the group stage of the 2025‑26 CAF Champions League. After losing 1-0 in the first leg away in Maputo to Mozambique’s Black Bulls, the Niger Delta side turned the tie around at home, winning 3-1 in Uyo and advancing 3-2 on aggregate. In doing so, they became the first club from Nigeria’s top flight to reach this phase since Lobi Stars in 2018-19.
Kick-off To Final Whistle
The first leg in Maputo went against Rivers United: a 1-0 defeat after a second-half goal by Moctar Diallo gave Black Bulls the edge heading into the return leg. Back in Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Rivers started strongly. In the 15th minute, new signing Wasiu Falolu opened the scoring with a fine finish to set the tone.
Then just before half-time, Maclyn Biokpo converted a penalty to double the lead and put Rivers firmly in control on aggregate. Black Bulls responded early in the second half when Diallo struck again, pulling one back and reviving the tension.
The aggregate then stood 2-2. But Rivers United answered in the 76th minute when Timothy Zachariah fired a superb strike to restore the two-goal cushion and seal the night. From then on, the Nigerian side held firm to close out the tie.
The Decisive Moment
That moment came with Zachariah’s strike. With the tie momentarily level on aggregate after the visitors’ pull-back, Rivers needed composure and precision and Zachariah delivered. His goal in the 76th minute not only rewarded the home side’s resilience, it shifted momentum permanently in their favour, extinguishing Black Bulls’ hopes of hanging on. With that strike, the pathway to the group stage was launched.
What This Means for Both Teams
For Rivers United: This is a landmark achievement. They have brought Nigerian club football back into the spotlight, becoming the first NPFL side in several seasons to make the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition. This will bring enhanced exposure, stronger competition, and potentially greater financial rewards for the Port Harcourt-based club.
For Black Bulls: The defeat stings. Having taken the lead in the first leg, they will look back at missed opportunities and perhaps weaknesses in closing out the tie. While they fall short, the experience may serve as a valuable starting point for future continental campaigns.
Reaction and What’s Next
Celebrations will be high for Rivers United from the fans in Uyo to the squad and the club executives. Coach Finidi George and his players have earned plaudits for their turnaround and mental strength. The next step now is to prepare for the group stage draw scheduled for November 3, 2025, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
For Black Bulls, recuperation and regrouping will be key. They’ll analyse what went wrong and aim to bounce back in domestic competition and future CAF engagements.
As for the Nigerian football scene, this result injects renewed hope. If Rivers United can carry this momentum into the group phase, it could mark the beginning of a revival for clubs from the country on the continental stage. Stay with Hot Sports Scoops for exclusive Nigerian-focused sports coverage — home and abroad.