Rivers United will face USM Alger in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Sunday afternoon.
The Pride of Rivers are the only Nigerian club left in CAF competition this season as Enyimba, Remo Stars, and Bendel Insurance all failed to get past the preliminary rounds.
Being the only side still representing the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in the top echelon of African football this campaign, massive support across the football loving fabric prevalent in the country, have rallied behind the team to go all the way.
Evans Ogenyi’s team booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Confederation Cup after finishing as runners-up in Group C, a feat which ensures that four teams from the NPFL will compete in CAF competitions next season.
Credit: Icon Sport
As a result of this, the NPFL Club Owners Association have fine-tuned plans to cheer Rivers United to the needed victory in the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final clash against Algerian side USM Alger.
The Association Vice Chairman, Alhaji Sulaiman Umar has said all hands must be on deck to support Rivers United to victory on Sunday.
“Rivers United have done a great job by getting to the quarter final of the CAF Confederation Cup, which has helped Nigeria retain her 4 slots on the continent,” said Umar.
“This is no mean achievement and we salute the management and players of the team for this feat”.
“This explains why we, the Club Owners, are going to be at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium en masse on Sunday to cheer the team to victory.”
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) already announced the dates of the final (First Leg: Sunday, 12 May 2024 and Second leg: Sunday, 19 May 2024), Rivers United will give their all in order to make their first final appearance on the continent and subsequently lift the trophy.
Rivers United vs USM Alger: What fans are saying about the clash
Rivers United vs USM Alger clash kicks off at 2pm on Sunday, a game many fans look forward to.
A call to National duty 🇳🇬
Arise, O compatriots ………#TotalEnergiesCAFCC || #RIVUSM || #MAR31 pic.twitter.com/rIMDg0y4XD
— Rivers United FC (@RiversUnitedFC) March 27, 2024
Commenting on the club’s handle on X (formerly Twitter), several fans of the Nigerian league have given their opinion about the game.
@Okekeolisaemeka said: “Gonna be a tough match. We have our fingers crossed”.
@Football_IQ_99: “Tough game. Don’t allow them to make even three passes, interrupt their play, they use long balls”.
@Brunoandbruno: “Football is business. This game is worth thousands of USD. Please, mobilize your fans from Port Harcourt to the venue. Monday is a holiday, many will turn out”.
@BiggbinoHenry: “If na like make una fumble, I go swear for una cos I will be there live”.
@Auwalu Umar: “Good luck to Rivers United and Nigeria”.
@Sokimie: “We go again, victory is sure. The Pride of Rivers!”.
Rivers United record at home in the CAF Confederation Cup
The Pride of Rivers got to the quarter-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup last season but were clinically beaten 0-2 by Young Africans in Uyo.
The clash against the Tanzanians was the first leg and they couldn’t get over the result in the second leg as both teams played out a goalless draw.
Against USM Alger on Sunday who have lost just once this season in this competition, Rivers United will have to be at their best to avoid the mistakes of last season in this very ground.
Ogenyi’s side will have the home support at their side and an impeccable record of three straight victories at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium during the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup this season.
