Nigeria’s remaining hopeful in the CAF Champions League, Rivers United, return to action this Friday determined to revive their Group A campaign when they face Moroccan giants RS Berkane at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
Matchday 2 of the group stage begins this weekend with 16 clubs continuing their push for a place in the knockout rounds.
After falling 3–0 to holders Pyramids FC in Cairo last week, Rivers United know that anything short of a strong home performance could derail their ambitions early.
Head coach Finidi George acknowledged in a statement on CAFonline that there is pressure on his side but insisted the players are mentally ready to deliver.
“We owe it to our fans to rise up to the occasion and get a result against RS Berkane,” Finidi said.
“We did well for 50 minutes against Pyramids and then lost concentration. We cannot afford to do that tomorrow(this Friday). We have the players that can get the job done and I believe they will step up.”
Midfielder Temple Emekayi echoed his coach’s determination, admitting that playing home matches away from their traditional base in Port Harcourt has been far from ideal.
“Although we would have been happier playing in front of our own fans in Port Harcourt, this is a situation beyond us and we just have to make the best of it,” Emekayi said.
“It is incumbent on us, the players, to rise from the defeat to Pyramids in Cairo and get a good result against RS Berkane. We will go in there and give our very best.”
Despite opening their campaign with a confident win over Power Dynamos, RS Berkane coach Mounie Chaabani insists his side will not underestimate Rivers United.
“Against Power Dynamos, we showed discipline and focus and were able to score the goals that we needed,” he said.
“Tomorrow (this Friday) against Rivers United, it will be difficult because they are a disciplined team as well. We will not underrate them at all. Our goal is to play our game and get a result here. It will be difficult but not impossible.”
Midfielder Rayan Aabid added that the team is unfazed by playing in Uyo for the first time.
“The fact that this is the first time we are playing on the pitch of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium is not a challenge,” he said.
“We respect Rivers United because they have been consistent in Africa over the past few years, but we will play our normal game and we believe that will be good enough to get us a result.”
With Pyramids and RS Berkane already showing strong early form, Rivers United must avoid a second consecutive defeat to stay in contention for a top-two finish.
Friday’s clash in Uyo promises intensity, pressure, and a huge opportunity for the Nigerians to ignite their CAF Champions League campaign and keep their knockout hopes alive.
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