Rivers United target NPFL and CAF Champions League success, says Olanrewaju

Rivers United assistant coach Yemi Olanrewaju says the Port Harcourt club are ready to challenge for honours in both domestic and continental competition as they prepare for the 2026/27 season.

The Pride of Rivers will compete in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the CAF Champions League, with Olanrewaju saying an important pre-season tournament has left the squad prepared for the demands ahead.

In a message posted on his X handle, the young coach said Rivers United were determined to compete for silverware after a demanding period of preparation.

“Preseason has been cool and tough. We are battle-ready for the league and CAF Champions League. This is my fourth consecutive season in all CAF club competitions, with two group stage qualifications. Even though I don’t think I am motivated for the continental as much as I am for the league this season.”

Olanrewaju also referred to his experience in African club competitions, noting that he remains unbeaten in his involvement on the continent. He added that the team’s motivation was particularly strong ahead of the new NPFL campaign.

Rivers United’s continental assignment will begin against San Pedro in the first round of the CAF Champions League preliminary round. Should they progress, they will meet either Vipers or FC Nouadhibou in the second round.

The club’s domestic campaign will start against Plateau United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. That fixture will offer Rivers United an early opportunity to begin their pursuit of the NPFL title after narrowly missing out in the previous season.

Rivers United finished behind eventual champions Rangers International last term, with the margin between the two sides described as narrow. Under the leadership of Finidi George, the Port Harcourt club will now look to build on that challenge while managing the demands of domestic and continental football.

For Olanrewaju, the upcoming campaign represents his fourth consecutive season involved in CAF club competitions. He has also been part of two group-stage qualifications during that period, adding to his experience as Rivers United prepare for another demanding continental journey.

His comments underline the club’s ambitions on both fronts. Rivers United will first have to negotiate their CAF Champions League preliminary-round tie with San Pedro, while their NPFL title challenge will begin with the meeting against Plateau United.

With the 2026/27 season approaching, the assistant coach believes the pre-season work has put the Pride of Rivers in a position to compete. The club’s immediate targets are clear: a strong opening in the league and progress through the CAF Champions League.