Rivers United’s hopes of progressing in the CAF Champions League suffered a major setback on Sunday after a shocking 1–0 home defeat to Zambia’s Power Dynamos at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

The Pride of Rivers had earned a valuable point in the reverse fixture in Ndola and knew that only a win would keep their qualification hopes alive. However, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) leaders failed to rise to the occasion, undone by a second-half strike from Kondwani Chiboni.

Head coach Finidi George was forced into changes following Ogechukwu Ogbe’s injury from last weekend. Stephen Manyo partnered Boluwaji Sholumade in central defence, while Duke Osimaga came into midfield alongside Wasiu Falolu. Former Enyimba striker Chijioke Mbaoma led the attack.

Rivers United enjoyed the better of the early exchanges and dominated possession, but they struggled to break down a resolute Power Dynamos defence marshalled by former Shooting Stars defender Ayodeji Bamidele. Despite their pressure, clear-cut chances were scarce, and both sides went into the break goalless.

The visitors returned from halftime with renewed intent and were rewarded just five minutes after the restart. Chiboni reacted quickest to a delivery from the right, stabbing the ball past Osagie Onisodumeya at the near post to stun the home crowd.

Rivers United pushed forward in search of an equaliser, throwing men forward and piling on pressure, but their efforts lacked the cutting edge required to breach the Dynamos backline. In the end, the Zambian side held firm to claim a memorable away victory, one that guarantees them at least a third-place finish in the group.

In the group’s other fixture, Pyramids FC emphatically defeated RS Berkane 3–0 to tighten their grip at the top of the standings ahead of Matchday Five.

Rivers United will now face a daunting task as they host group leaders Pyramids in their final home game, while Power Dynamos welcome RS Berkane in a decisive battle for second place.