By Amaechi Agbo
Rivers United have touched down in San Pedro, Côte d’Ivoire, ahead of their crucial 2026/27 CAF Champions League first preliminary round, first-leg encounter against FC San Pédro.
The Nigerian representatives landed in Côte d’Ivoire following a brief buildup phase in Abuja, where the team held final tactical sessions before departing aboard Air Côte d’Ivoire. The Pride of Rivers head into the continental fixture carrying positive domestic momentum after securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over Plateau United during their domestic league opener.
Team captain Stephen Manyo expressed confidence regarding the squad’s physical preparedness and mental focus following weeks of intensive pre-season training.
The crucial opening leg is scheduled to take place at the Stade Laurent Pokou in San-Pédro, with kick-off locked for 4:00 p.m. local time on Saturday.
Following Saturday’s showdown, Rivers United will host the Ivorian outfit for the return leg in Nigeria next week, as they battle for a ticket to the second preliminary round against either Uganda’s Vipers SC or Mauritania’s FC Nouadhibou
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