Rivers United’s Coach, Finidi George, is confident that his team has done everything necessary to secure victory in tomorrow’s CAF Champions League match against Mozambique’s Black Bull in Maputo.
The Port Harcourt-based team advanced to the second round of the tournament following a narrow victory over Congo DR’s Aigles du Congo in the previous stage of the competition.
Tomorrow’s match is anticipated to showcase the best performance from the Rivers boys, who unexpectedly suffered a home defeat to Bayelsa United in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) last weekend.
In remarks made before his team departed for Maputo via Lagos yesterday, Finidi stated that Rivers United is determined to achieve a positive result in Maputo, which would ease the pressure on the players for the second leg next week.
”We have learned from the errors of our recent matches… we have addressed the shortcomings and are hopeful for a favorable environment in Maputo to execute our game plan,” Finidi remarked, while also recognizing that tomorrow’s match demands complete dedication from his squad as they pursue a spot in the group stage.
Speaking about the CAF Champions League match, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Mozambique, Mr. Aminu Abdulhamid, has urged Rivers United FC to give their utmost effort and bring pride to the nation as they prepare to compete against Black Bulls in the second preliminary round of the CAF TotalEnergies Champions League in Maputo.
Upon welcoming the team at the Nigerian Embassy shortly after their arrival yesterday, Ambassador Abdulhamid assured the players and officials of the embassy’s unwavering support during their stay.
“I extend a warm welcome to you in Mozambique and assure you that our doors are open 24 hours for you,” the envoy stated. “We will also rally the Nigerian community to be present at the stadium to support you towards victory.”
Also Read: http://Police Arrest Armed Robbery, Car Snatching Suspect In Viral Video
The Rivers United delegation, led by General Manager Okey Kpalukwu, received a warm welcome at the Maputo International Airport from officials of the Nigerian Embassy and members of the Nigerian community before being treated to a brief reception at the chancery.
Kpalukwu, who is also a board member of the NPFL and Chairman of the NPFL Club Owners Association, expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador and the Nigerian community for their warm reception. He called for continued support as the team strives to progress to the next round of the competition.
Rivers United’s delegation for the match, comprising players and technical staff, departed from Port Harcourt on Tuesday to travel to Lagos, then proceeded to Murtala Muhammed International Airport to fly to Maputo for the encounter.
This eagerly awaited match is set to take place at the Campo da ABB Stadium in Maputo. Reports also indicate that the return leg will be held next week at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
A position in the prestigious CAF Champions League group stage is on the line, with the aggregate winner over two matches poised to join the continent’s top clubs in pursuit of glory and substantial prize money.
CAF has designated Namibian referee Mr. Negongo Mweshitsama Naftal to officiate the first leg, with his compatriots Alex Muzibwene Lumponjani and Hangula Velinoma Angula serving as Assistant Referees 1 and 2, respectively.
