Rivers United Make History with CAF Champions League Breakthrough

Rivers United made history on Saturday evening at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, defeating Black Bulls of Mozambique 3-1 to secure a 3-2 aggregate victory and book their place in the CAF Champions League group stage for the first time in the club’s history.

The Port Harcourt-based side entered the second leg trailing 1-0 from the first encounter in Maputo but responded with a spirited performance in front of their home fans.

From the opening whistle, Rivers United asserted their dominance, with midfielders Boluwaji Sholumade, Wasiu Falolu, and Seyi Oguntayo dictating the tempo. Their early pressure paid off in the 15th minute when Wasiu Falolu pounced on a rebound from a blocked Maclyn Biokpo shot to level the aggregate score.

The momentum remained firmly with the hosts as they continued to press forward. Just before halftime, Rivers United were awarded a penalty after Timothy Zachariah, played through by Ubong Friday, was brought down inside the area.

Maclyn Biokpo stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick to give the Nigerian side a 2-0 lead on the night and a 2-1 advantage on aggregate heading into the break.

However, the visitors were not ready to surrender. Within five minutes of the restart, Moctar Diallo found the net for Black Bulls, bringing the aggregate score to 2-2 and momentarily putting Rivers United on the brink of elimination due to the away-goal rule.

The goal sparked a period of tension for the home side, but they remained composed and resilient.

The breakthrough came in the 78th minute when Timothy Zachariah, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, capped off a man-of-the-match performance with a stunning strike. The goal, assisted by Stephen Manyo, restored Rivers United’s aggregate lead and ultimately sealed their progression to the group stage.

This landmark achievement marks the first time Rivers United have reached the CAF Champions League group stage after four previous attempts.

They also become the first Nigerian club to reach this phase of the competition since Lobi Stars did so in the 2018/19 season.

The match also saw Rivers United score more than one goal in a CAF Champions League fixture for the first time this campaign.

Rivers United will now shift their focus back to domestic duties as they prepare to face Ikorodu City FC in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League matchday 10 fixture on Wednesday, October 28, at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.