FIFA Instructor Edibi School Rivers United On New CAF Ref Rules

Highly-respected CAF/FIFA Instructor, Peter Edibi on Thursday oversaw a refresher course for players, coaches and officials of Rivers United FC as the reigning Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions shape up for exertions in the 2022-23 CAF Champions League.

In a bid to leave no stone unturned and also to ensure that the United give Nigeria creditable representation in the competition, an intensive course was arranged to keep the team in the loop as regards the latest regulations of the game.

"What I and the team did (on Thursday afternoon) was to prepare them for the continental competition they are going into - the CAF Champions League," Edibi said.

"The basic things we looked at were the amendments in terms of the application and interpretation of the laws of the game.

"We looked at (physical) challenges (during matches), offsides, illegal use of arms, we went to handball situations, and others.

"I think with these, the players are well equipped now to go into the (CAF Champions) League.

"We will continue with the process (of teaching the team) because this is a learning process and it will not be a one-off," he said.

Rivers United won last season's NPFL title with four games to spare, playing swashbuckling, and attacking football while maintaining the meanest defence in the division.

The "Pride of Rivers" will now be looking to transfer that dominance onto the continental stage as they shape up for a two-legged battle in the first (preliminary) round of the CAF Champions League against Liberia champions, Watanga.