NPFL champions stand firm away from home to stop Power Dynamos in Group A stalemate.
Rivers United FC have secured their first point in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League group stage, holding Zambia’s Power Dynamos to a 0-0 draw in Ndola on Saturday at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
The Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) champions were desperate to arrest their slide in Group A after two opening defeats to Egyptian giants Pyramids FC and Moroccan side RS Berkane.
In a tightly contested encounter dominated by midfield battles and tactical caution, neither team could find the decisive breakthrough, leaving the scoreline blank at full-time. Rivers United’s disciplined defence and organisation frustrated the hosts, earning the Port Harcourt-based side a valuable point on the road.
Goalkeeper Osagie Onisodumeya was instrumental for Rivers United, making crucial saves to deny Power Dynamos clear goalscoring opportunities and preserve the clean sheet — the club’s first clean sheet on foreign soil this CAF CL season.
Despite limited penetration in the final third, Rivers United gradually grew into the game. Their compact shape and counter-attacking intent made it difficult for the home side to carve out clear chances. Power Dynamos, backed by home support, dictated possession for long spells but lacked the cutting edge to convert pressure into goals.
The draw leaves both clubs with one point from three matches — a situation that keeps qualification hopes alive but tricky as the competition reaches its midpoint. Rivers United are currently third in the table, with their upcoming games set to define their campaign’s trajectory.
Rivers United now turn their focus to the return fixture against Power Dynamos and future group fixtures, where a win will be crucial if they are to challenge for a place in the knockout stages of Africa’s premier club competition.