Rivers United Break Six-Year CAF Jinx Under Finidi George

Rivers United Break Six-Year CAF Jinx Under Finidi George

For the first time in six years, Nigeria will once again have representation in the CAF Champions League group stage, thanks to Rivers United FC and their resilient coach, Finidi George.

The 2022 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions made history on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, defeating Black Bulls of Mozambique 3–1 to overturn a first-leg loss and secure a 3–2 aggregate victory. The result helped them book their place in the group stage and also ended Nigeria’s prolonged absence from Africa’s elite club competition since Lobi Stars’ appearance in the 2018/19 season.

Wasiu Falolu opened the scoring in the 15th minute to level the aggregate score, capitalising on a rebound after a blocked shot from Maclyn Biokpo. Just before halftime, Biokpo himself made it 2–0 from the penalty spot after Timothy Zachariah was fouled in the box.

The visitors briefly threatened a comeback early in the second half when Moctar Diallo scored for Black Bulls, bringing the tie level again on aggregate. But the defining moment came in the 78th minute when Zachariah, who had been a constant menace to the Mozambican defence, fired home a superb strike to seal the 3–2 aggregate victory and send the Uyo crowd into raptures.

Finidi George: Redemption and Leadership

For coach Finidi George, this milestone marks a new chapter. After managing Enyimba FC and a brief stint as Super Eagles coach, Finidi’s appointment at Rivers United last season was seen as a test of his tactical maturity. The victory proves he’s passed that test.

“To have qualified is great for everybody here,” Finidi told journalists after the game. “Personally, it’s an achievement to get to this stage. We’ll now see how we can compete in the group stages. We know how difficult this tournament is, but for now, we’ll enjoy this and take each game as it comes.”

Finidi’s success also comes at a time when Nigerian league football fans have been desperate for good news from the domestic front.

What’s Next for Rivers United?

The journey doesn’t end here. Rivers United will now prepare for the CAF Champions League group stage, with Finidi hinting that he may add “one or two” reinforcements to strengthen the squad.

Domestically, the team resumes NPFL action on Wednesday, 29th of October, against Ikorodu City FC before facing Bendel Insurance and Barau FC in rescheduled league fixtures.

As the only Nigerian club left standing in Africa this season, all eyes will be on Rivers United to see how far they can go, and whether they can truly turn this qualification into a sustained continental run.