Rivers United captain Stephen Manyo has told his younger teammates that the CAF Champions League offers the biggest platform they will get in African football, urging them to grab their chance against San Pedro.
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Rivers United captain Stephen Manyo has declared his side ready for the decisive second leg of their CAF Champions League first preliminary round tie against San Pedro of Cote d’Ivoire. Finidi George’s side host the Ivorian outfit at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Sunday, with the tie finely balanced after a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
A Message For The Younger Players
Manyo said he has made a point of speaking with his teammates, particularly the younger ones with ambitions of playing at a higher level in Europe, reminding them that continental football offers the biggest stage available to them in Africa right now. He stressed that players with those ambitions need to raise their own standards rather than wait to be pushed.
Calling For Full Focus
The captain also urged his teammates to set aside distractions and give everything to the cause, framing the match as an opportunity to play for themselves and for family members counting on them. He said, “This is the biggest moment for you,” while encouraging the squad to push themselves as hard as possible to reach the top level of the game.
Manyo added that he has been working closely with individual players to help bring the best out of them, expressing confidence that the squad has the quality needed to succeed if they commit fully to the challenge ahead.
