Rivers United Arrive in Côte d’Ivoire Ahead of 2026/27 CAF Champions League Opener vs San Pedro
Rivers United have arrived in Côte d’Ivoire ahead of their CAF Champions League first preliminary-round first-leg clash against FC San Pedro on Saturday.
The Nigerian representatives departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Wednesday, September 3, 2026, aboard an Air Côte d’Ivoire flight scheduled for 3:50 p.m., with a stopover in Abidjan before continuing to San Pedro.
The contingent of players and officials is expected to settle in San Pedro ahead of Saturday’s continental encounter at the Laurent Pokou Stadium.
Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. local time in Côte d’Ivoire, 5:00 p.m. Nigerian time.
Rivers United enter the tie with valuable continental experience, having emerged as one of Nigeria’s most consistent performers in CAF club competitions over the past five years.
The Port Harcourt-based club reached the group stage of the CAF Champions League last season and became the first Nigerian club in seven years to advance to the competition’s knockout stage.
An experience coach Finidi George and his players will hope proves decisive in this year’s campaign.
The Pride of Rivers have also made a positive start to the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season, securing victory in their opening fixture.
Abdulrasheed Dabai was among the scorers in the league opener, while Wasiu Falolu also delivered a decisive contribution to help Rivers United begin their domestic campaign on a winning note.
However, they face a tricky test against an FC San Pedro side expected to make full use of home advantage.
The Ivorian club will look to Jean Ariel Koffi for goals, while playmaker Abi Niambe is expected to provide creativity from midfield.
Winger Issouf Dosso, with his pace and ability to attack from wide areas, could also pose problems for the Nigerian defence.
For Finidi George, the objective will be to ensure Rivers United return to Nigeria with a result that gives them the advantage ahead of the second leg.
With continental experience, early-season momentum and a place in the next round at stake, Rivers United will be aiming to lay a solid foundation in San Pedro before completing the job on home soil.
The first leg of the CAF Champions League first preliminary round is therefore set to provide an early test of Rivers United’s ambition to once again make a significant impact on the African stage.
