Rivers United continued their strong run in continental football with a hard-fought 1-0 win over FC Les Aigles at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, sealing a 1-0 aggregate victory and booking their place in the CAF Champions League Second Preliminary Round.

 

As has become familiar on home soil, the Pride of Nigeria extended their flawless CAF home record, making it five straight wins at the Uyo fortress. The lone goal came at a critical moment — deep into first-half stoppage time — when Stephen Manyo reacted quickest to head home from close range after the opposition goalkeeper spilled a well-delivered free-kick from Ubong Friday.

 

The goal, Manyo’s first in the CAF Champions League, was enough to separate both sides across two legs and send Rivers United into the next round, where they will face Associação Black Bulls of Mozambique.

🗓 Next CAF Fixture:

• First Leg: October 17–19, in Mozambique

• Second Leg: October 24, in Uyo

 

Victory over the Mozambican side would see Rivers United qualify for the CAF Champions League group stage — a significant milestone for the club and Nigerian football.

Match Facts & Stats:

• Unbeaten in last 5 CAF home matches (W5)

• Stephen Manyo becomes the first Rivers United goalscorer in this season’s CAF Champions League

• Finidi George becomes only the second manager in club history to lead Rivers United past a round in CAF interclub competition

What’s Next for Rivers United?

With continental progression secured, attention now shifts back to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL):

• October 1 (Independence Day): Rivers United vs Niger Tornadoes at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium

• October 5: Away to Enyimba FC in Aba

 

As the fixtures pile up both at home and abroad, the team’s depth and determination will be key as they aim for both domestic and continental glory this season.