Rivers United manager, Finidi George, has reacted to the CAF Champions League group stage draw announced on Monday.
The Port City News (TCPN) earlier reported that George’s side was drawn in Group A, where they will face defending champions Pyramids FC of Egypt, CAF Confederation Cup holders RS Berkane of Morocco, and Zambian giants Power Dynamos FC.
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Fielding questions from journalists after the draw, George said Rivers United were ready to test themselves against Africa’s elite clubs.
He described the draw as a good but challenging one, noting that any team aiming for success in the tournament must be prepared to face the best at some stage.
According to him, the Pride of Rivers will step up preparations when the time comes, but for now, the team’s focus remains on their domestic league fixtures.
“When it’s getting closer to that, we’ll try to prepare the boys mentally for what’s coming ahead. It’s extra motivation for the players. Having this platform on this big stage is going to bring a lot of expectations and a lot of confidence for the players.
“They’re all looking forward to having this platform to showcase what they have. So, the time has come”, George noted.
Furthermore, he said he hoped his players were mentally prepared for the challenge, adding that he did not believe the team would struggle physically.
He noted that there was no pressure on the team, saying, “We’ll just let the boys focus on the basics defensively. I believe that if we defend properly, in a game like that, over 90 minutes, we’ll have our moment.”
This marks the first time in seven years that a Nigerian club will compete in the CAF Champions League group stage.
