Finidi’s Rivers United stun Black Bulls to charge into CAF Champions League group stage
Rivers United mounted a thrilling second-leg comeback in Uyo on Saturday, defeating Black Bulls of Mozambique 3-1 to secure their passage to the lucrative CAF Champions League group stage with a narrow 3-2 aggregate victory.
Coach Finidi George’s side entered the decisive second preliminary round fixture needing at least a two-goal victory, having suffered a 1-0 defeat in the first leg in Maputo.
The “Pride of Rivers” delivered under pressure at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Home dominance powers Rivers United
Rivers United started the match with clear intent, erasing the first-leg deficit early through Wasiu Falolu’s goal in the 15th minute. Just before the half-time whistle, Maclyn Biokpo converted a penalty, doubling the lead and putting the Nigerian champions 2-1 ahead on aggregate.
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The dream start was momentarily disrupted shortly after the restart when Moctar Diallo, who scored Black Bulls’ winner in the first leg, struck again just two minutes into the second half, levelling the aggregate score at 2-2 and giving the Mozambicans a crucial away goal advantage.
With the tension rising and the tie heading towards a defeat on the away goals rule, Rivers United pushed relentlessly for the decider. Their persistence paid off in the final moments of the game when substitute Timothy Zachariah netted the all-important third goal. The late strike secured a 3-1 win on the day and a 3-2 aggregate triumph, sparking jubilant celebrations in the Uyo stadium.
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The victory means Rivers United has successfully navigated the qualifying rounds and will feature in the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition.
After 7 years, Rivers United becomes first NPFL club in CAF Champions League group stage
They are the first Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) side to reach the CAF Champions League group stages since Lobi Stars in 2019.
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Rivers United will now await the draw to know their group stage opponents, scheduled to take place on Monday, November 3, 2025.
With the win, Rivers United has given Nigerian clubs a lifeline and had a great impact on the coefficient ranking.
