History was made at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium as we defeated Black Bulls of Mozambique 3-1, securing a spot in the prestigious CAF Champions League group stage for the first time.
First Half Dominance
We got off to a flying start, dominating proceedings with Boluwaji Sholumade, Wasiu Falolu, and Seyi Oguntayo in the midfield, and it paid off with Wasiu Falolu scoring in the 15th minute to level the aggregate score at 1-1. The goal came after Maclyn Biokpo’s shot was blocked, and Falolu capitalized on the rebound. We continued to dominate with Osagie Onisodumeya having a solid back four of Isaac Annor, Taiwo AbdulRafiu, Stephen Manyo, and Ogechukwu Ogbu, and just before half-time, Maclyn Biokpo converted a penalty, awarded after Timothy Zachariah, set up by Ubong Friday, was tripped in the box, to make it 2-0.
Second Half Drama
Black Bulls pulled one back within the opening five minutes of the second half, with Moctar Diallo finding the back of the net. This temporarily put us under pressure, as the aggregate score was level at 2-2, and the away-goal rule threatened to eliminate us. However, we didn’t allow the visitors to capitalize on this moment. Instead, Timothy Zachariah crowned his man-of-the-match performance with a superb strike in the 78th minute, off an assist from Stephen Manyo, to secure the win and send us into the group stage.
Facts and Stats
<span;><span;>- We are through to the CAF Champions League group stage for the first time in our history after four attempts.
<span;><span;>- We will be the first Nigerian club to feature in the CAF Champions League group stage since Lobi Stars in the 2018/19 season.
<span;><span;>- For the first time this season in the CAF Champions League, we scored more than one goal in a match.
What’s Next?
We return to Nigeria Premier Football League action on Wednesday, October 28, when we take on Ikorodu City FC at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in a rescheduled matchday 10 fixture.
Charles Mayuku
Media Officer, Rivers United FC
October 25, 2025
