Nigeria’s flag will once again fly proudly in Africa’s elite club competition. Rivers United have qualified for the 2025/26 CAF Champions League group stage, ending a seven-year wait for a Nigerian club to reach this level of continental football.
The Port Harcourt-based side sealed their passage after a thrilling 3–2 aggregate victory over Mozambique’s Black Bulls, overturning a first-leg deficit with an emphatic home win in Uyo. The result sparked celebrations among Nigerian football fans who have long yearned to see a domestic club back in Africa’s premier tournament.
Now, all eyes turn to Monday, November 3, 2025, when the group stage draw will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa. Rivers United, representing the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) will learn their group opponents as they prepare for the biggest stage of their modern history.
Rivers United Face Tough Group in Pot 3
Rivers United have been placed in Pot 3 of the seeding, meaning they could be drawn into a challenging group that includes continental powerhouses such as Al Ahly, Mamelodi Sundowns, defending champions Pyramids FC, Al Hilal, or Stade Malien.
The team’s primary goal will be to advance beyond the group phase and reach the quarterfinals, keeping alive the dream of becoming the first Nigerian club to win the CAF Champions League since Enyimba’s back-to-back triumph in 2003 and 2004 (confirmed 2005 season recognition).
The 16 confirmed teams for the group stage include:
Al Ahly, Pyramids FC, Mamelodi Sundowns, Espérance de Tunis, Simba SC, Al Hilal, Young Africans, Petro de Luanda, AS FAR, MC Alger, JS Kabylie, Stade Malien, Power Dynamos, FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo, and the winner of the RS Berkane vs Al Ahli Tripoli playoff set for November 1st.
For Rivers United, this means testing themselves against Africa’s elite — a challenge that promises both prestige and pressure. As Nigerian fans await the draw, anticipation is building around possible matchups with giants like Al Ahly or Esperance, fixtures that could define the team’s continental story.
Nigerian Pride and High Stakes
This achievement isn’t just a win for Rivers United; it’s a victory for Nigerian club football. The last time a Nigerian side reached this stage was Lobi Stars in the 2018/19 season. Rivers United’s breakthrough revives the nation’s continental relevance and demonstrates that NPFL teams can still compete at the top level.
The club also stands to gain financially. Qualification brings a potential ₦1.2 billion prize windfall, as part of CAF’s new revenue structure for participating clubs. That funding could boost Rivers United’s facilities, recruitment, and youth development.
Coach Finidi George has already shifted focus to preparation. “We’re proud to represent Nigeria again in Africa’s top competition,” he said. “But we know this is just the beginning. We have to prove ourselves against the best.”
What’s Next
Rivers United’s next test comes when the CAF Champions League group fixtures are announced following the draw. Nigerian fans are watching closely, eager to see whether the Pride of Rivers can emulate Enyimba’s legendary success and reignite Nigeria’s status in African club football.
For now, Rivers United stand as the beacon of Nigerian pride, carrying the weight of a football-loving nation into the continent’s grandest arena. Stay locked on HOT SPORTS SCOOPS for exclusive updates, analysis, and insights as Rivers United’s CAF Champions League adventure unfolds.