CAF Champions League: Rivers United beat Black Bulls 3–2, qualifies for Group Stage

Rivers United have booked their place in the CAF Champions League group stage after defeating Mozambique’s Black Bulls 3–2 on aggregate, becoming the first Nigerian club to achieve the feat since Lobi Stars in the 2018/19 season.

The victory highlights the impressive start of Finidi George’s tenure as manager, with Rivers United now set to discover their group stage opponents when the draw takes place on November 3.

After losing 1–0 in the first leg in Maputo last week, the Nigeria Premier Football League side overturned the deficit with a commanding 3–1 win in the return fixture at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday.

Wasiu Falolu opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a fine finish, before Maclyn Biokpo doubled the advantage from the penalty spot just before halftime.

The visitors fought back in the second half, as Moctar Diallo’s strike briefly gave the Black Bulls hope. However, Rivers United sealed the tie in the 75th minute when Timothy Zachariah unleashed a superb effort to restore their two-goal cushion.

The result not only secures Rivers United’s spot among Africa’s elite clubs but also signals a promising resurgence for Nigerian teams in continental competitions.