Rivers United began their 2025–26 CAF Champions League journey with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Les Aigles of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the first leg of their preliminary round clash on Saturday.
The encounter, played at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, marked the first-ever meeting between the two clubs on the continental stage. The match delivered plenty of intensity but no goals, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the decisive return leg in Nigeria.
Cagey Battle in Kinshasa
In front of a vibrant Congolese crowd, both sides pushed for an opener but lacked the cutting edge in the final third. Les Aigles, who were making their debut appearance in the CAF Champions League, enjoyed promising spells of possession but could not make their dominance count.
For Rivers United, it was an evening of discipline and resilience. Defensive stalwarts Temple Emekayi and Stephen Manyo anchored a backline that refused to be breached, throwing bodies on the line and making crucial interventions whenever the hosts threatened.
While the Pride of Rivers carved out a few opportunities of their own, their finishing touch deserted them in the key moments. Ultimately, the game ended in a stalemate that keeps their qualification hopes very much alive.
All Eyes on the Uyo Decider
Head coach Stanley Eguma will now rally his men for the all-important return fixture at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo next Sunday. Playing in front of Nigerian supporters, Rivers United will be confident of sealing progress to the next stage of Africa’s premier club competition.
The aggregate winner of this preliminary tie will advance to face either AC Léopards of Congo or Mozambique’s Black Bulls in the second qualifying round.
