CAF Champions League: Captain, Chairman of Rivers United Optimistic of Qualifying For The Group Stage

CAF Champions League: Captain, Chairman of Rivers United Optimistic of Qualifying For The Group Stage By Niyi Busari River United captain, Austin Festus and Chairman of the club, Christopher Green, have in one voice said the team is solely focused on securing the ticket to this year's CAF Champions League group stage. Rivers United walked a tight rope following their 1-1 draw against a more experienced Al Hilal of Sudan in Port Harcourt on Sunday. Despite the result, Austin Festus and Christopher Green have expressed confidence that the 'Pride of Rivers' will go and pick the maximum points in Egypt. In an exclusive interview with BSN Sports, Austin said, "The players know what is at stake, that they need outright win before they can qualify and you cannot predict what happens next in football. If they (Al Hilal) can come and pick a 1-1 draw in our home, we can as well go over there and pick a win. [caption id="attachment_55699" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Austin Festus, Rivers United captain[/caption] "So, I believe that we are going to get it right there in Egypt." He said the team on their journey to Egypt needs the support and prayers of all Nigerians. "I want to appeal to all Nigerians not to write us off at this time, we need their support and prayers and we are promising them, come this weekend Rivers United will qualify at the expense of Al Hilal. He added that motivation from the governor is enough to spur them to victory. "The team is lucky to have our number one supporter, His Excellency Nyesom Wike who has been doing so well for us, that is enough to motivate us to go over there, defeat them and see ourselves in the group stage." In the same vein, the former NFF Board Member, Christopher Green is hopeful that Rivers United have the squad that can pick the group ticket with a win in the second leg this weekend. "I think the players are well motivated and focused on the task ahead. The supports they get from the governor, His Excellency Nyesom Wike, the management of the team and Nigerians are enough to spur them to victory in Egypt. We are optimistic that we can turn the table against them. It's not going to be easy but it's achievable. "The governor has done well by motivating the team ahead of the second leg in Egypt which is a major factor in achieving the set goal." Rivers United will face Al Hilal of Sudan in the second leg of the second round in the CAF Champions League this weekend in Cairo, Egypt. The eventual winners in both games will qualify for the group stage while the losers drop to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.