Rivers United began their 2026/27 CAF Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Ivorian side San Pedro in the first leg of the preliminary round on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
The Nigerian club travelled to the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro, Côte d’Ivoire, hoping to secure a positive result ahead of the return fixture in Nigeria. The encounter lived up to expectations as both teams battled for continental advantage.
After a goalless first half, San Pedro broke the deadlock in the second period, putting the hosts in front and placing pressure on Rivers United to respond.
The visitors, however, showed resilience and eventually found their equaliser through Douglas Iyowuna in the 69th minute. The forward’s goal restored parity and ensured Rivers United returned home with a valuable away draw. The match ended 1-1 after an extended stoppage period.
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The result represents a useful outcome for Rivers United, who will now have home advantage when the two sides meet again in the second leg. The Nigerian club had entered the competition after finishing second in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season. They also opened their domestic campaign with a 2-0 victory over Plateau United on August 30.
Rivers United coach Finidi George had earlier indicated that avoiding defeat in Côte d’Ivoire would be an acceptable result, stressing the importance of returning to Nigeria with confidence ahead of the decisive second leg.
The return fixture is scheduled for September 13, with Rivers United needing a victory to advance. Should they overcome San Pedro on aggregate, they will face either Uganda’s Vipers or Mauritania’s FC Nouadhibou in the second preliminary round.
