Rivers United Face Must-Win Clash Against Power Dynamos in Uyo
Rivers United will resume their CAF Champions League campaign on Sunday with a must-win Group A encounter against Zambia’s Power Dynamos at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
After three matches in the group stage, the Nigerian champions have picked up just one point, a goalless draw away to Power Dynamos in Ndola on January 24. The result left Rivers United six points behind the group leaders and under intense pressure to secure maximum points in the return fixture.
Sunday’s match marks Matchday Four of the competition, the beginning of the second round of group fixtures, where the margins for error are significantly reduced.
With only three games left to play, Rivers United know that anything short of victory would severely damage their chances of progressing to the quarterfinals.
Power Dynamos arrive in Uyo facing a similar situation, having also collected one point from their opening three matches.
The Zambian side are equally desperate for a positive result, making the encounter a crucial contest for survival in the group.
Elsewhere in the CAF Champions League, several high-stakes fixtures will shape the continental picture this weekend. In Group C, Al Hilal of Sudan will host South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in Kigali, with both teams level on five points. Group B leaders Al Ahly travel to Zanzibar to face Young Africans, while in Group D, Petro de Luanda take on Stade Malien as they attempt to recover lost ground.
Rivers United, now coached by former Super Eagles winger Finidi George, have struggled to convert chances in the competition despite solid performances.
The technical crew will be banking on home advantage and improved attacking efficiency to reignite the team’s continental challenge.
As the group stage reaches its midpoint, the stakes could hardly be higher. A win in Uyo would keep Rivers United within reach of the group’s frontrunners and preserve Nigeria’s interest in Africa’s premier club competition, while defeat would leave their hopes hanging by a thread.
