Rivers United have been eliminated from the 2026/2027 CAF Champions League after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Ivorian club San Pedro in Uyo on Sunday.
The Pride of Rivers entered the second leg with high hopes of advancing after a positive result in the first leg in San Pedro. However, two early goals from the visitors changed the mood at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Rivers United struggled to respond to San Pedro’s quick start. The Ivorian side took advantage of the hosts’ defensive problems and placed Finidi George’s team under serious pressure.
The Nigerian club eventually found a way back into the contest before half time. Chijioke Mbaoma converted from the penalty spot to give Rivers United renewed belief.
The goal lifted the home side and gave the players a much needed boost heading into the second half. Rivers United, however, could not turn their pressure into the decisive goal.
Rivers United created opportunities after the restart, but their finishing let them down. San Pedro remained dangerous on the counter and defended their advantage with increasing determination.
As the game entered its final stages, Rivers United continued to search for the goal that would keep their continental campaign alive. Their persistence finally paid off again when they won another penalty with only two minutes remaining.
Iyowuna Douglas stepped forward and made no mistake from the spot. His composed finish brought the game level at 2-2 and sparked wild celebrations inside the stadium.
The equaliser gave Rivers United a final opportunity to complete the comeback. Finidi’s men pushed forward in search of a winning goal, but San Pedro stood firm during the closing minutes.
Rivers United could not find the breakthrough they needed. The 2-2 result ended their Champions League campaign, with San Pedro progressing to the second preliminary round on the away goals rule.
The elimination will come as a major disappointment for Rivers United. The club had entered the tie with ambitions of making a strong run in Africa, but their inability to convert key chances ultimately proved costly.
San Pedro, meanwhile, can celebrate a hard fought qualification. The Ivorian side survived a difficult second leg in Nigeria and now moves into the next round with their hopes of reaching the group stage still alive.
For Rivers United, attention now turns back to domestic football. Finidi George and his players will need to regroup quickly and put the continental disappointment behind them as they resume their campaign at home.
The result also adds to a busy weekend for Nigerian clubs in the CAF Champions League. Earlier on Saturday, Rangers secured their own progress after defeating Benin side AS Sobemap on penalties in Togo.
While Rangers remain in the competition, Rivers United must now focus entirely on their domestic responsibilities after their hopes of continental glory came to an end in Uyo.
