Rivers United are en route to Egypt ahead of their much-anticipated CAF Champions League clash against Pyramids FC, the defending African champions.
The Port Harcourt-based club earned their spot in the group stage for the first time ever, after narrowly overcoming Black Bulls of Mozambique in the qualifying rounds. Their group (Group A) also includes Moroccan side RS Berkane and Zambia’s Power Dynamos
Rivers United’s technical adviser, Finidi George, described the draw as a huge opportunity. He said the match against Pyramids will serve as “extra motivation” for his squad, noting that it’s a platform to showcase their quality on the continental stage.
Meanwhile, the 2025/26 CAF Champions League group stage is scheduled to begin on 21 November 2025, with Rivers’ trip to Egypt among the opening fixtures.
Editorial
Rivers United’s journey to Egypt is more than just a trip it is a test, a rite of passage, and a moment that could define the club’s continental ambition. For a team making its first real foray into the CAF Champions League group stage, few challenges are more symbolic or more formidable than facing Pyramids FC, the reigning African champions.
When Finidi George speaks of “extra motivation,” he is not simply managing expectations — he is igniting belief. The board, the players, the fans: all will watch what happens in Cairo not as tourists, but as competitors. They have earned this stage, but now they must prove they belong.
Pyramids are not just any opponent. They are recent champions, a club with resources, experience, and ambition. For Rivers United, this match is not just about avoiding defeat it is about making a statement. A result here, even just a draw, could send shockwaves across African club football.
Yet the greatest challenge will be internal: can Rivers match this moment with composure? Will they handle the pressure? Their hopes rest not just on tactics, but on character on whether they can carry their domestic edge into unfamiliar territory.
If they succeed, they will not merely survive this group they will announce themselves. If they fall short, they can still build. Either way, this trip to Egypt may be the turning point in Rivers United’s story.
Did You Know?
- Historic Group Stage: This is Rivers United’s first-ever appearance in the CAF Champions League group stage.
- Tough Group Their Group A opponents include the defending continental champion (Pyramids), RS Berkane (Morocco), and Power Dynamos (Zambia).
- Finidi’s Confidence: Rivers’ coach, Finidi George, has publicly expressed that this stage will help his players “showcase what they have” on a bigger continental platform.
- Pyramids’ Rise Pyramids FC won their first CAF Champions League title in 2025, making them a formidable opponent.
- Venue One likely stadium for the Rivers United vs Pyramids clash could be Cairo’s 30 June Stadium, which is used by Pyramids for continental matches.
