Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Barrister Christopher Green, has issued a bold warning to Africa ahead of Rivers United’s historic CAF Champions’ League group-stage debut this weekend, insisting that the Pride of Rivers are not travelling across the continent to make up the numbers — they are going to compete for the title.
Speaking with unmistakable confidence, Green dismissed the idea that Rivers United should be satisfied merely with participation, stressing that the team, now under the technical guidance of Finidi George, has matured into a side capable of challenging Africa’s elite.
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Drawn in a heavyweight Group A alongside defending champions Pyramids FC, two-time CAF Confederation Cup winners RS Berkane, and Zambia’s relentless Power Dynamos, Rivers United face one of the tournament’s most unforgiving sections. But Green insists that the team is more than ready.
He noted that Rivers United’s preparation has been methodical, intense and tailored for elite continental football. He praised the synergy between Finidi George and head coach Yemi Olanrewaju, describing their partnership as one built on mutual understanding and shared tactical philosophy.
According to Green, both men have transformed Rivers United into a more dynamic, disciplined and tactically mature side in the last few months.
Green emphasised that Rivers United’s appearance in the Champions League is not a “tourist adventure,” but a mission grounded in ambition and self-belief.
He stated that Nigeria has been without a strong continental representative for far too long, and Rivers United — as champions of the domestic league and one of the most stable clubs in the NPFL — intend to restore national pride.
He also challenged the players to represent Nigeria with courage and resilience, insisting that group-stage qualification is only the first phase of their wider objective. “This team must show Africa that Nigerian clubs still possess quality,” he said.
With the opener looming, Green declared that Rivers United have nothing to fear and everything to prove — and that the journey to continental glory begins now.
