Rivers United crash out of CAF Champions League after draw with San Pedro
Rivers United have been eliminated from the 2026/27 CAF Champions League after a 2-2 draw against Ivorian side San Pedro in the second leg of their first preliminary-round tie in Uyo on Sunday.
The result left the tie level at 3-3 on aggregate, with San Pedro progressing to the second preliminary round via the applicable qualification tiebreaker.
Rivers United entered the decisive encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium following a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Côte d’Ivoire, knowing that victory at home would secure their passage to the next stage.
However, the Nigerian champions failed to make home advantage count as San Pedro produced a disciplined display to hold the Pride of Rivers to another draw and bring their continental campaign to an early end.
Rivers United had shown resilience in the first leg, with substitute Iyowuna Douglas scoring in the 69th minute to cancel out Issouf Dosso’s opener and earn the Nigerian side a valuable result away from home.
Coach Finidi George had expressed confidence ahead of the return fixture, believing his team would be better positioned to complete the job in front of their home supporters.
That optimism was ultimately dashed, however, as San Pedro held their nerve to secure qualification on aggregate.
The early elimination represents a disappointing setback for Rivers United, who reached the CAF Champions League group stage last season. Their exit also delivers an early blow to Nigeria’s hopes of making an impact in Africa’s premier club competition.
Rivers United will now shift their focus to domestic football as they look to regroup and recover from their disappointing continental campaign.
San Pedro, meanwhile, advance to the second preliminary round and will continue their pursuit of a place in the Champions League group stage.
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