Rivers United have written their name into African football history after a thrilling 3–1 victory over Black Bulls of Mozambique to qualify for the group stage of the CAF Champions League — becoming the first Nigerian club to reach this stage since Lobi Stars in the 2018/19 season.
The Pride of Rivers started the decisive second leg with purpose and energy, taking the lead in the 15th minute through Wasiu Falolu’s composed finish.
The early breakthrough lifted the crowd at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium as Rivers United sought to overturn their 1–0 first-leg deficit.
Their relentless pressure paid off just before halftime when Maclyn Biokpo calmly converted from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute, putting the hosts 2–0 ahead on the night and 2–1 up on aggregate.
The visitors, however, refused to fade quietly. Two minutes after the restart, Moctar Diallo struck for Black Bulls to level the tie 2–2 on aggregate, setting up a tense second half.
But Rivers United, led by coach Finidi George, showed grit and composure when it mattered most.
In the 76th minute, Timothy Zachariah unleashed a superb strike to restore their advantage, sealing a 3–1 victory and 3–2 aggregate triumph.
With this win, Rivers United advance to the CAF Champions League group stage — ensuring six more matches at Africa’s top level and keeping alive Nigeria’s dream of another continental crown, following Enyimba’s famous back-to-back titles in 2003 and 2004.
