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Rivers United returned from Ivory Coast with a valuable 1-1 draw against FC San Pedro in the first leg of the first preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.
The result gives the Pride of Rivers a strong platform heading into the second leg as the Nigerian team now needs a home win to secure their place in the next qualifying round.
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The draw is particularly encouraging for Rivers United after coach Finidi George had emphasized before the match that avoiding defeat in Abidjan would represent a positive result. He specifically identified a 1-1 draw as an acceptable result that would leave his team in a good position for the second leg.
Rivers United approached the continental assignment with confidence after opening their 2026/27 NPFL campaign with a 2-0 win over Plateau United, while Finidi also highlighted San Pedro’s physical qualities and the youthful character of his own new-look squad.
Now, the equation is simple.
The two teams are evenly matched on aggregate and Rivers United will have the advantage of playing the decisive second leg on Nigerian soil. The second leg is currently scheduled for September 13, giving the Port Harcourt club a chance to complete the job in front of their fans.
For a Rivers United side that reached the group stage of the CAF Champions League last season, the objective is clear: convert the away draw into qualification and keep Nigeria’s flag flying in Africa’s premier club competition.
A goal in Abidjan. A valuable draw assured.
Now, Pride of Rivers must finish the job at home.
