CAF Champions League: Rivers United Arrive in DR Congo with N150 Million Financial Cushion

CAF Champions League: Rivers United Arrive in DR Congo with N150 Million Financial Cushion

By Niyi Busari 

Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt has arrived in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, ahead of their first-round, first-leg clash against FC Les Aigles du Congo in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Nigerian contingent, comprising players, coaching staff, and club officials, departed from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos on Wednesday and is set to face the Congolese side at the Stade des Martyrs, an 80,000-capacity stadium on Saturday, 20th September with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. local time.

This will mark the first-ever competitive meeting between the two clubs, adding a layer of unpredictability and anticipation to the tie. Rivers United, nicknamed “The Pride of Nigeria,” is aiming to secure a strong away result to position themselves advantageously for the return leg on Sunday, September 28 in Port Harcourt.

In an official statement, the club reaffirmed its commitment to progressing deep into the tournament. The team expressed confidence in its preparations and vowed to give a performance worthy of Nigeria’s representation on the continental stage.

In a significant development, Rivers United along with other clubs participating in the early stages of the CAF Champions League will benefit from CAF’s newly introduced financial support scheme, which provides $100,000 (approximately ₦150 million) to clubs eliminated in the first or second preliminary rounds. 

The initiative is part of CAF’s broader financial reform strategy to ease logistical burdens and encourage broader participation.

Rivers United, who have reached the group stage of the competition in previous seasons, will be looking to surpass the preliminary rounds once again and establish themselves as serious contenders in this year's expanded format, which features a record 62 clubs.