Finidi Happy Say E Don Break Nigeria CAF Bad Luck

Rivers United coach, Finidi George, don hail di team after dem qualify reach di group stage of di CAF Champions League for di first time for di club history, ending Nigeria six-year drought for di competition. Di 2022 NPFL champions make history for Godswill Akpabio Stadium for Uyo on Saturday as dem beat Black Bulls of Mozambique 3–1, secure dia spot for di 2025/26 CAF Champions League group stage. Rivers United lose di first leg 1– 0 but bounce back with 3–2 aggregate win, making dem di only Nigerian team still remain for Africa dis season after Remo Stars, Kwara United and Abia Warriors don commot. Dis qualification na big one for Finidi because e go be im first time for top African club football since e return to NPFL as coach in 2021. Di former Super Eagles coach talk say e dey very happy with di victory and say di boys fight well. According to am, “To qualify na great achievement for everybody, and we go plan well for di group stage. We go enjoy dis win and prepare for di next level.”

For di match, Rivers United show real ginger from di start as Wasiu Falolu, Boluwaji Sholumade and Seyi Oguntayo control di midfield. Falolu score for 15th minute after Maclyn Biokpo shot bounce back, making di score 1–1 on aggregate. Just before halftime, Biokpo score penalty wey Timothy Zachariah win, give Rivers United 2–0 lead. For second half, Black Bulls score quick one through Moctar Diallo, but Zachariah seal di win with one fine goal for 78th minute after assist from Stephen Manyo, ending di match 3–1. Dis victory send Rivers United go group stage after four attempts. Di last Nigerian club wey reach that level na Lobi Stars for 2018/19 season. Rivers United go return to league action on October 28 against Ikorodu City for Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium before dem face Bendel Insurance for Benin on November 5, and Barau FC for Kano on November 19. Finidi talk say di team go still add one or two players as dem prepare to shock Africa for di group stage.