Rivers United fought back from a goal down to secure a valuable 1-1 draw away to San Pedro in the first leg of their CAF inter-club competition first preliminary round tie, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Pride of Rivers showed resilience on the road after falling behind, with substitute Douglas Iyowuna making an immediate impact off the bench by scoring the equaliser to keep the contest evenly poised.

Iyowuna’s timely intervention handed the Nigerian side a crucial result ahead of the return leg and boosted their hopes of advancing to the next round of the competition.

Rivers United will now have home advantage in the second leg, which is scheduled to take place in Uyo next weekend, where they will need a victory to seal their progression.

The Port Harcourt-based outfit will turn its attention to preparations for the decisive encounter, with the draw in the first leg giving them renewed confidence ahead of the return fixture.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed a Gabonese officiating team for Rivers United’s CAF Champions League preliminary-round first-leg encounter against FC San Pedro of Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The match is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro, with kick-off set for 4:00 pm local time, 5:00 pm in Nigeria.

Gabonese referee Cregue Flaury Moukagni has been selected as the centre referee and will be assisted by compatriots Amos Abeigne Ndong and Junior Assoughe.

Pierre Ghislain Atcho, also from Gabon, will serve as the fourth official.

Benin’s Innocent Atindehou has been appointed Match Commissioner, while Algeria’s Mohamed Lamine Benaissa will work as the Referee Assessor.

The encounter forms part of the first-leg preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League, with Rivers United aiming to secure a favourable result in Côte d’Ivoire before the return fixture.

The Nigerian representatives will be hoping for a disciplined performance against FC San Pedro as they seek to take an early advantage in the two-legged tie.

Nigerian champions Rivers United have left the country for Côte d’Ivoire ahead of their CAF Champions League first preliminary round encounter against San Pedro, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The Port Harcourt-based side will take on the Ivorian club in the first leg, scheduled to be played between September 4 and 6, 2026.

Rivers United will host the return fixture in Nigeria between September 11 and 13 as they look to secure their place in the next round of Africa’s premier club competition.

The Nigerian champions will be hoping to produce a positive result away from home before returning to their supporters for the second leg, where they will aim to complete the job and advance.

Rivers United Technical Manager Finidi George has expressed satisfaction with his side’s impressive 2-0 victory over Plateau United in their opening 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League fixture at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Omagwa, near Port Harcourt, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

The former Nigeria international and Ajax Amsterdam winger said the Pride of Rivers showed significant improvement in both attack and defence after scoring twice and keeping a clean sheet.

“I feel very good, you know. Normally, we’re a team that scores one goal (in a match), and we try to defend it,” Finidi said at the post-match press conference.

“But this time around, we quickly scored two goals and got a lot of chances that could have been converted, but we couldn’t.

“But I think we defended very well and I’m quite happy the team is looking good. But we’ll keep pushing them until we see where we’ll end up in the season.”

Finidi also praised Rivers United’s recruitment during the transfer window, insisting the club has assembled a stronger, younger squad than last season.

“If you look at our recruitment, it’s quite better than that of last season,” he said.

“The players are much younger and better, so we hope, come next (this) Saturday, we’ll be able to get a good result in Côte d’Ivoire against FC San Pedro.”

Rivers United will now switch attention to continental football as they prepare for their CAF Champions League preliminary-round first-leg clash against Ivorian side FC San Pedro on Saturday, September 5, 2026.

The Pride of Rivers are one of Nigeria’s two representatives in this season’s CAF Champions League. They will travel to Côte d’Ivoire seeking another positive result after their winning start to the NPFL campaign.

Ikorodu City made a flying start to the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season, coming from behind to defeat newly promoted Ranchers Bees 3-1 and move to the top of the table, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

Ranchers Bees stunned the hosts by taking the lead in the seventh minute, but Umar Dan’Azumi restored parity for the Oga Boys in the 30th minute.

Ikorodu City completed the turnaround just before half-time when Abayomi Ayodeji found the net, before Farouk Salami converted a penalty in the 87th minute to seal a 3-1 victory.

Elsewhere, Rivers United announced their intentions with a convincing 2-0 home victory over Plateau United in Port Harcourt. Abdulrasheed Dabai opened the scoring in the sixth minute before Wasiu Falolu doubled the advantage in the 38th minute, handing last season’s runners-up a comfortable start.

Kwara United produced one of the weekend’s biggest comebacks, recovering from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Kano Pillars in Ilorin. Shola Abdulraheem gave Pillars an early lead in the 12th minute before Rabiu Ali doubled the advantage 17 minutes later.

Alex Jerry reduced the deficit two minutes after the restart, before completing the comeback with a dramatic equaliser in the seventh minute of stoppage time.

Bendel Insurance also came from behind to defeat Warri Wolves 2-1. Eventus Itolowo put Wolves ahead in the fifth minute, but Kayode Oke levelled from the penalty spot in the 20th minute. Alex Oweilayefa then scored two minutes into the second half to complete Insurance’s comeback.

In Minna, Niger Tornadoes edged Enyimba 2-1. Aliyu Goyi gave the hosts the lead in the 40th minute, while Wonah Williams restored parity for Enyimba in the 71st minute. Michael Olalusi, however, struck seven minutes later to secure all three points for Tornadoes.

Barau FC also enjoyed a winning NPFL debut, defeating Nasarawa United 3-1. Joseph Atule opened the scoring in the 15th minute, while Abubakar Abdullahi equalised for Nasarawa five minutes later.

Barau regained the lead through Al’Amin Umar in the 78th minute before Sugau Aliyu added a third four minutes later. Atule’s early goal also marked the beginning of his pursuit of a personal target of 20 goals this season.

Reigning champions Rangers were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Katsina United at their adopted home ground in Abeokuta. Luis Dadong put Katsina ahead in the 38th minute before Chibueze Oputa rescued a point for Rangers in the seventh minute of added time.

Rangers’ equaliser came after Katsina United goalkeeper parried Oputa’s effort into his own net.

Meanwhile, Doma United marked their return to the NPFL with a 2-0 victory over fellow returnees Sporting Lagos in Gombe. Sadiq Rilwan opened the scoring in the eighth minute before Daniel Simon added the second in the 75th minute to complete a winning return for the hosts.

With the opening round producing goals, comebacks and late drama, Ikorodu City emerge as the early pace-setters in the 2026/27 NPFL campaign.

Matchday 1 results:

Shooting Stars 2-1 Inter Lagos

Abia Warriors 0-0 Kun Khalifat FC

Kwara United 2-2 Kano Pillars

Barau FC 3-1 Nasarawa United

Bendel Insurance 2-1 Warri Wolves

Rangers 1-1 Katsina United

Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Enyimba

Ikorodu City 3-1 Ranchers Bees

Doma United 2-0 Sporting Lagos

Rivers United 2-0 Plateau United

Nigerian clubs competing in the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions have been handed an August 15 deadline to submit their squad lists for the first preliminary round, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The deadline affects all Nigerian representatives in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, with Rangers International and Rivers United set to compete in the Champions League, while Shooting Stars and El-Kanemi Warriors will represent the country in the Confederation Cup.

The four clubs are expected to complete the registration of their eligible players and submit their official squad lists to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) before the deadline.

Failure to meet the registration requirements could create complications for the clubs ahead of their opening preliminary-round fixtures and potentially affect the eligibility of players to feature in the continental competitions.

The deadline comes as the Nigerian representatives intensify preparations for their respective CAF campaigns, with the clubs hoping to advance through the preliminary rounds and secure places in the lucrative group stages.

Rivers United assistant coach Yemi Olanrewaju has reaffirmed his commitment to the club despite reports linking him with a possible move to other Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) sides, including Shooting Stars, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

Olanrewaju said he enjoys a strong working relationship with Rivers United and head coach Finidi George, adding that preparations have intensified ahead of the 2026/27 NPFL season.

The former Shooting Stars target admitted that he has great admiration for the Ibadan club and its project, but stressed that he intends to honour his current contract with Rivers United.

“I am a coach with credibility and values, and there are many things I hold in high esteem, and one of them is Respect. I love Shooting and its project, and we have had contacts in the past, and it is a club I will always consider, but for now, my focus and everything is with Rivers as I would like to honour my contract till the end of the season.”

Olanrewaju also praised the Rivers United hierarchy for the trust and support they have shown him since his arrival.

“I don’t like to abandon a contract and run halfway. Rivers United management have been so good and kind to me, and the trust they place in me is unbelievable, and also my boss, ElFINITO.”

While keeping the door open to a future return to Shooting Stars, the coach insisted that there is currently no reason for him to look beyond Rivers United.

“Shooting Stars is a club I will always feel honoured to be linked with or mentioned with. If the opportunity comes again in the future, I'll be glad to consider it, as I believe the union will be massive.”

Olanrewaju's comments effectively put the current speculation to rest, with the Rivers United assistant coach focused on helping the Port Harcourt club achieve its objectives in the coming campaign.

Nigeria’s representatives in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League, Rivers United and Rangers International, have discovered their respective opponents following Thursday’s preliminary round draw conducted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Cairo, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Rivers United, who enter the competition as a seeded side due to their strong CAF coefficient, have been drawn against Ivorian club FC San Pedro in the first preliminary round.

The Port Harcourt-based club are ranked 24th in Africa with 15 CAF coefficient points, while FC San Pedro occupy 60th position, giving the Nigerian side a statistical advantage ahead of the two-legged tie.

If Rivers United progress, they will face either Uganda’s Vipers SC or Mauritania’s FC Nouadhibou in the second preliminary round, with qualification for the group stage at stake.

For Rangers International, the route to the group stage is considerably tougher. The reigning Nigeria Premier Football League champions, who were unseeded for the draw, will face Benin Republic champions SOBEMAP in the opening round.

A victory would set up a challenging second-round encounter against either Niger Republic’s ASN Nigelec or Algerian giants MC Alger.

The preliminary round draw featured 61 clubs, with CAF granting automatic passage to the second preliminary round to the three highest-ranked teams, Mamelodi Sundowns, Espérance and RS Berkane.

The remaining 58 clubs will contest the first preliminary round, with the 29 winners joining the three exempted sides in the next phase.

The first preliminary-round matches are scheduled for September 4–6, with return legs taking place from September 11–13. The second preliminary round will be played between October 16–18, with the return fixtures scheduled for October 23–25.

The clubs that successfully navigate the second preliminary round will earn places in the 16-team CAF Champions League group stage and continue their pursuit of continental glory and the competition’s significant financial rewards.

Nigeria's representatives in the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions, Rangers International, Rivers United, Shooting Stars, and El Kanemi Warriors, are assured of a financial reward from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), even if they are eliminated in the preliminary rounds, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

CAF has confirmed that every club knocked out during the qualifying stages of both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup will receive a solidarity payment of USD 100,000.

The initiative is part of the continental governing body's efforts to strengthen African club football by providing financial assistance to participating teams and encouraging greater involvement in its premier inter-club competitions.

As a result, Nigeria's four representatives will each be eligible for the financial support should their campaigns end in the opening qualifying rounds.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe reiterated the organisation's commitment to investing in clubs across Africa, stressing that more teams should benefit from the governing body's growing commercial success and football development programmes.

The solidarity payments are expected to ease the financial burden on participating clubs, improve their operational capacity, and enhance their competitiveness on the continental stage as CAF continues to expand support for African club football.

Nigeria's representatives in the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions, Rangers International, Rivers United, Shooting Stars, and El Kanemi Warriors, will learn their preliminary round opponents on Thursday when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) conducts the official draws in Cairo, Egypt, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The draws for both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup will be held at CAF headquarters on Thursday, August 6, 2026.

The CAF Confederation Cup draw is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. Cairo time (11:00 GMT), while the CAF Champions League draw will follow at 3:00 p.m. Cairo time (12:00 GMT).

Rangers International and Rivers United will fly Nigeria's flag in the CAF Champions League after securing top finishes in the Nigeria Premier Football League last season.

Shooting Stars and President Federation Cup winners El Kanemi Warriors will represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup as they aim to make an impact on the continental stage.

The draw will determine the preliminary round fixtures for all four Nigerian clubs as they begin their campaigns in pursuit of continental glory during the 2026/27 CAF inter-club season.

Tanzanian Premier League side Azam FC have secured the services of Nigerian defender Taiwo Abdulrafiu from Nigeria Premier Football League club Rivers United, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Dar es Salaam-based outfit moved to strengthen their defensive unit by signing the highly-rated centre-back ahead of the new campaign.

Abdulrafiu leaves Rivers United after establishing himself as one of the NPFL's consistent defenders, with his solid displays earning him widespread recognition.

The transfer represents another important milestone in the Nigerian's career as he prepares to feature in the Tanzanian Premier League while also competing in continental competitions with his new club.

Azam FC will be counting on Abdulrafiu's experience, composure and defensive ability to reinforce their backline as they pursue honours both domestically and on the African stage.

Rivers United have stepped up preparations for the 2026/27 season by adding several experienced Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) stars to their squad as they gear up for the CAF Champions League, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Port Harcourt club has secured the services of former Enyimba captain Ekene Awazie and ex-Abia Warriors defender Imo Obot, who previously earned an invitation to the Super Eagles. Awazie joins as an experienced winger, while Obot is renowned for his proficiency from set-piece situations.

The Pride of Rivers have also completed the signing of defensive midfielder Salman Abubakar from Enyimba as coach Finidi George continues to reshape his squad ahead of the new campaign.

Other new arrivals include former Abia Warriors defender Innocent Gabriel, Kano Pillars centre-back Muktar Mohammed, Plateau United midfielder Chinemerem Ugwueze, Bayelsa United left-back Ubong Williams, and midfielder Alex Oyowah, who returns to Rivers United after spending the last two seasons with Remo Stars.

The newly recruited players have already joined their teammates in training at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Omagwa as preparations intensify for the forthcoming domestic and continental campaigns.

The club is yet to formally unveil the latest additions, with an official announcement expected soon.

"An official statement will be made soon," Rivers United's Head of Media, Charles Mayuku, said when contacted by Complete Sports.

Rivers United have appointed defender Stephen Manyo as the club's new captain ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Manyo will lead the Pride of Rivers into a demanding campaign that includes both domestic competition and the CAF Champions League, where the Port Harcourt-based side will represent Nigeria.

The experienced defender is expected to provide leadership on and off the pitch as Rivers United seek to challenge for honours in the new season.

His appointment comes as the club continues to intensify preparations for another busy campaign following a series of impressive performances in recent years.

Rivers United will be aiming to mount a strong title challenge in the NPFL while also making a significant impact in the CAF Champions League, with Manyo's experience and influence expected to play a vital role in achieving those ambitions.

Rivers United have bolstered their squad with the signing of midfielder Chinemerem Collins Ugwueze from Plateau United ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 25-year-old, who represented the Super Eagles at the Unity Cup in London, becomes one of the Pride of Rivers' latest additions as the club continues to strengthen its squad for the upcoming campaign.

Ugwueze is expected to bring quality, energy and added depth to the midfield as Rivers United prepare to compete on both the domestic and continental fronts.

With the club set to return to CAF inter-club competition, the Port Harcourt outfit has intensified its recruitment drive to build a squad capable of coping with the demands of a busy season.

The arrival of the former Plateau United midfielder underlines Rivers United's ambition to challenge for major honours in the NPFL while also making a strong impression in continental football.

Ugwueze is expected to play a key role in the club's pursuit of success during the 2026/27 campaign.

Nigeria's representatives in the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions will play their home matches away from their traditional stadiums after their venues failed to secure approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The affected clubs are Rangers International, Rivers United and Shooting Stars, all of whom will now be required to adopt alternative venues for their home fixtures in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

CAF has approved only three stadiums in Nigeria to host continental club matches. They are the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, and the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

As a result, the three clubs are expected to select one of the approved venues as their temporary home ground for their respective continental campaigns.

The decision means the teams will be forced to play in unfamiliar environments and away from their traditional fan bases, a situation that could affect the home advantage they would ordinarily enjoy during the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions.

Nigerian clubs Rangers, Rivers United and Shooting Stars will begin their quests for continental success in September after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled the fixture schedule for the 2026/27 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

According to the timetable released by CAF, the opening preliminary round of both competitions will be played from September 4 to 6, 2026, with the return legs scheduled for September 11 to 13.

Teams that progress will advance to the second preliminary round, where the first-leg matches will take place between October 16 and 18, while the decisive return fixtures are slated for October 23 to 25.

The group stage of both tournaments is expected to get underway at the end of November, with clubs across the continent battling for continental honours.

CAF has also retained its enhanced prize money structure, with the winners of the CAF Champions League set to receive $6 million, while the CAF Confederation Cup champions will earn $4 million.

Nigeria will be represented by Rangers and Rivers United in the CAF Champions League after both clubs secured qualification through their performances in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

In the CAF Confederation Cup, Shooting Stars will fly the Nigerian flag alongside the winners of the 2026 President Federation Cup, completing the country's quartet of representatives in continental competition.

The Nigerian clubs will be aiming to make a strong impression and improve the country's standing in African club football when the new continental season gets underway.

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club Rivers United has completed the signing of goalkeeper Clinton Andy Ezekiel from fellow top-flight side Bayelsa United ahead of the 2026/27 season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Ezekiel joins the Port Harcourt-based club on a one-year contract after an impressive 2025/26 campaign in which he established himself as one of Bayelsa United's standout performers.

The highly-rated goalkeeper attracted interest from several clubs following a series of assured performances between the sticks, but Rivers United moved swiftly to secure his services as they continue to strengthen their squad for the new season.

His arrival is expected to provide additional quality and competition in the club's goalkeeping department as Rivers United prepares for another demanding NPFL campaign.

The former Bayelsa United shot-stopper is expected to play a key role in the team's ambitions of challenging for domestic honours and securing another strong finish in the league.

Rivers United remain active in the transfer market and are expected to make further additions to their squad as preparations for the 2026/27 season gather pace.

The Port Harcourt club is aiming to assemble a competitive squad capable of competing at the highest level in Nigerian football while maintaining its status as one of the NPFL's leading sides.

The Nigeria Premier Football League has sanctioned Kano Pillars following incidents that occurred during their recent fixture against Rivers United, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The league body confirmed that Kano Pillars have been fined ?15 million for multiple breaches related to the match, as part of disciplinary measures to maintain order and professionalism in the competition.

In addition to the financial penalty, the Sai Masu Gida will play their next three home matches behind closed doors. This sanction includes their only remaining home fixture of the current season, while the other two matches will be carried over to the start of the next campaign.

The NPFL reiterated its commitment to enforcing strict regulations and ensuring clubs comply with established standards, warning that further infractions could result in even more severe disciplinary action.

Finidi George has expressed satisfaction with Rivers United’s performance following their matchday 34 victory over Plateau United, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The former champions secured a 1-0 win against Gbenga Ogunbote’s side at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, with Wisdom Samuel netting the decisive goal in the 10th minute after a fine assist from Taofeek Otaniyi.

The result saw Rivers United return to the top of the NPFL table, boosting their title ambitions as the season approaches its final stages.

Reflecting on the game, Finidi admitted his side did not create many chances but maintained control throughout the contest.

“It’s a match that we didn’t create too many scoring chances, but the shot went in in the first half. I think in the second half, we had another chance. That was the highlight of the match,” he told the club’s media.

“We didn’t suffer much, it was a game that we controlled properly, no too much stress at the back. We didn’t create much too.

“If you look at the overall performance of the team, it was a good one. We are quite happy with the performance, and the victory.”

Rivers United will next face Kano Pillars at the Sani Abacha Stadium as they continue their push for the league title.

Nasarawa United F.C. delivered a dominant display to defeat Rivers United F.C. 4–1 in a rescheduled NPFL Matchday 31 clash at Lafia City Stadium, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The hosts made a flying start, with Ngei Oluka-Efor opening the scoring in the third minute before Abubakar Abdullahi doubled the lead just moments later. Chimezie Victor added a third in the 15th minute to cap a blistering opening spell.

Rivers United responded through Taiwo Abdulrafiu, who converted a free-kick in the 24th minute, but Jofrank Istifanus sealed the win with a composed finish in the second half.

The victory, Nasarawa United’s biggest of the season, lifts them to third place on the NPFL table with 50 points, closing the gap on both Rivers United and leaders Enugu Rangers.

Following the win, Governor Abdullahi Sule rewarded the team with ?1 million per goal, totaling ?4 million, while additional financial support had earlier been provided to boost morale.

Head coach Mangut Mbwas praised his side’s clinical performance, stating the team could have scored more, as players expressed confidence ahead of the season’s final stretch.