CAF Champions League : Rivers United chase positive result in Côte d’Ivoire

Rivers United have arrived in Côte d’Ivoire ahead of Saturday’s CAF Champions League first preliminary-round, first-leg encounter against FC San Pedro.

The Pride of Rivers departed Abuja on yesterday aboard an Air Côte d’Ivoire flight, travelling through Abidjan before continuing to San Pedro.

Finidi George and his players will face their Ivorian opponents at the Laurent Pokou Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 4pm local time and 5pm Nigerian time.

Rivers United return to the competition with useful continental experience after reaching the group stage last season and advancing to the knockout phase.

That experience could prove important against an FC San Pedro side expected to make full use of home advantage.

The Port Harcourt club have also begun the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season positively, giving Finidi’s men some momentum ahead of their continental opener.

Abdulrasheed Dabai was among the scorers in their opening league fixture, while Wasiu Falolu also played an important role in the victory.

FC San Pedro, however, possess players capable of troubling the Nigerian side. Jean Ariel Koffi is among their attacking threats, while Abi Niambe and Issouf Dosso could also play important roles.

Rivers United will aim for a positive result in Côte d’Ivoire to put themselves in a strong position ahead of the return leg in Nigeria.