Pride of Rivers hunt crucial points as both teams seek first victory in continental campaign.
Rivers United FC are preparing for a high-stakes CAF Champions League Group A showdown when they take on Zambia’s Power Dynamos FC on Saturday in Ndola.
The Pride of Rivers fly into the encounter determined to secure their first points of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League group stage campaign, after a challenging start against strong opponents in Group A.
This fixture comes at a pivotal moment — Matchday 3 marks the halfway point of group competition and could prove decisive in the club’s push towards the CAF Champions League quarter-finals race.
Power Dynamos Eye First Group Win
Zambian side Power Dynamos also arrive winless after two group matches. Both head coach Oswald Mutapa and Nigerian-born defender Ayodeji Bamidele have publicly emphasized their desire to collect maximum points on home soil.
Bamidele, a Nigeria-born centre-back who played in the NPFL before moving to Zambia made it clear there will be “no divided loyalty” despite facing a Nigerian club. He stressed that both teams have everything to play for in this crucial clash.
Mutapa highlighted his side’s strong domestic league form in the Zambia Super League, saying that recent victories have boosted confidence ahead of the continental tie.
Rivers United Not Here to Sight see
On the Nigerian side, captain Temple Emekayi sounded a defiant note in pre-match comments, stating that Rivers United are not in Zambia “for sightseeing” but are committed to fighting for victory.
Following a lull in club football due to the Morocco 2025 AFCON tournament, continental action returns with renewed intensity as clubs across Africa resume their CAF Champions League campaigns.
Action at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium kicks off at 14:00 GMT on Saturday, with Rivers United destined to look for a positive result that can keep their quarter-final hopes alive.