Rivers United will begin their 2026/27 CAF Champions League campaign against Ivorian side San Pedro on Saturday, September 5, with the Nigerian club targeting a positive result away from home. The first-leg encounter is scheduled for Stade Laurent Pokou, ahead of the return fixture in Port Harcourt on September 13.
The Pride of Rivers head into the continental tie with confidence after opening their new NPFL campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Plateau United on August 30. Abdulrasheed Dabai and Wasiu Falolu were the scorers in that victory, giving the team an encouraging start domestically.
Defender Stephen Manyo has declared the squad ready for the challenge and stressed the importance of securing a result in Côte d’Ivoire that will make the second leg easier for the Port Harcourt side.
Rivers United will, however, need to be disciplined against a San Pedro side accustomed to continental competition. San Pedro finished their previous Ivorian Ligue 1 campaign with a draw against ISCA and will be looking to use home advantage to establish an early lead in the tie.
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Rivers United appear to have a strong squad available for the encounter, with Stephen Manyo expected to marshal the defence. Recent squad listings include goalkeeper John Noble, defenders Emmanuel Utaka, Mohammed Mukhtar and Ogbu Ogechukwu, while midfield options include Chigozie Ani, Wasiu Falolu and Emmanuel Nnaji. Up front, Abdulrasheed Dabai, Chijioke Mbaoma and Timothy Zachariah provide attacking options.
Possible Rivers United starting lineup
John Noble; Emmanuel Utaka, Stephen Manyo, Mohammed Mukhtar, Ogbu Ogechukwu; Emmanuel Nnaji, Chigozie Ani, Wasiu Falolu; Alex Oyowah, Abdulrasheed Dabai, Chijioke Mbaoma.
Rivers United’s priority will be to avoid defeat, keep the scoreline manageable, and return home with the advantage before the decisive second leg.
