Rivers United to face FC Les Aigles du Congo in CAF Champions League Preliminary Round

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria’s Rivers United have learned their opponents for the CAF Champions League preliminary round following weeks of uncertainty in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The impasse over which Congolese club would participate in Africa’s elite club competition was resolved on Saturday, with CAF confirming the fixtures.

Rivers United will square off against FC Les Aigles du Congo, while Sudanese giants Al Merrikh are set to battle FC St Éloi Lupopo in the other tie.

It remains unclear whether the Port Harcourt-based side will play their first leg this coming weekend, as reports indicate that Al Merrikh have requested a postponement, which could impact the scheduling of fixtures.

Rivers United, who finished as Nigeria’s representatives after an intense domestic season, will be aiming to progress past the preliminary hurdle and secure a place in the group stage of the continental showpiece.

Finidi George’s side finished second at the end of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to qualify for the CAF Champions League alongside league winners, Remo Stars.

Oluwaseun Oyediji

Oluwaseun Babatunde Oyediji is a multi-media sports journalist with over 10 years experience in Information Communication Technology (ICT), women's football, and beach soccer reportage.The prolific writer is the Media Assistant to Nigeria Beach Soccer League and Africa Beach Soccer Union as well as contributor on Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) website.He has covered multiple national and international football tournaments including Championship of African Nations (CHAN 2020), CAF Women's Champions League (2023), and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).Since 2021, Oyediji has covered the NWFL Premiership especially the season ending Super Six Playoffs.A member of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun state chapter is also the image maker of the Remo Sports Development Council under the leadership of Chief Falilat Ogunkoya and David Osuolale.

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