Rivers United Turn Full Focus To NPFL After CAF Champions League Heartbreak

Rivers United assistant coach Yemi Olanrewaju has said the club will now shift its full attention to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following its early exit from the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Rivers United secured continental football after finishing second in the 2025/26 NPFL season. The Pride of Rivers were drawn against FC San Pedro of Ivory Coast in the opening round of the CAF Champions League but were eliminated after a 3-3 aggregate draw, with the Ivorian side advancing on the away-goals rule.

Olanrewaju explained that competing on the continental stage affected the club’s domestic campaign because of the fixture congestion that came with playing in multiple competitions. He made the remarks on Wednesday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Omagwa, near Port Harcourt, after Rivers United defeated Warri Wolves 2-0 in a rescheduled NPFL Matchday 3 encounter.

The assistant coach recalled that Rivers United had enjoyed a strong away record at the beginning of the previous season before their continental commitments increased the pressure on the squad.

He said the club’s elimination from the Champions League would allow the team to concentrate more on its domestic campaign and work towards securing another opportunity to compete on the continental stage.

Meanwhile, Warri Wolves head coach Hassan Abdalla has urged supporters to remain calm despite the club’s difficult start to the new NPFL season.

The Seasiders have suffered defeats in their opening two matches, losing 2-1 away to Bendel Insurance before falling 2-0 to Rivers United. However, the club still has an outstanding Matchday 2 fixture against Enugu Rangers, which will be played at home in Ozoro, Delta State.

Abdalla said the two defeats should not trigger panic, stressing that the season is still in its early stages and the team is improving with each game. He also noted that both matches were played away from home and expressed optimism that the outstanding home fixture could help improve the club’s position.

NPFL Matchday 4 action will see Ranchers Bees face Bendel Insurance and Ikorodu City take on Barau on Saturday, September 19. Sunday’s fixtures include Kun Khalifat FC against Enugu Rangers, Sporting Lagos versus Abia Warriors, Nasarawa United against Rivers United, Warri Wolves versus Kwara United, Kano Pillars against Doma United, Plateau United versus Shooting Stars, Enyimba against Inter Lagos, and Katsina United versus Niger Tornadoes.