Rivers United captain Nyima Nwagua has declared that the Nigerian side will not be intimidated by their CAF Champions League “Group of Death,” insisting that the players are fully prepared to face some of the continent’s strongest clubs.
United were drawn into a fiery Group A featuring defending champions Pyramids SC of Egypt, Moroccan giants RS Berkane, and Zambian powerhouse Power Dynamos — a lineup many analysts say is the toughest in the entire competition.
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But Nwagua, speaking confidently after Monday’s training session in Port Harcourt, said the squad is embracing the challenge rather than fearing it.
“People keep saying it is the hardest group, and maybe they’re right,” he said. “But difficult groups are also where great teams announce themselves. We’re not afraid of anyone. Rivers United will fight for every point.”
The forward stressed that qualifying for the group stage for the first time in the club’s history has boosted the squad’s belief. “Reaching this stage was our first goal, but now we want more. We didn’t come this far to admire other clubs — we want to compete with them.”
Nwagua also revealed that preparations have been intense since the draw was announced, with the technical crew focusing on physical conditioning, tactical shape, and defensive discipline.
“We know what Pyramids and Berkane bring — experience, quality, big-game mentality,” he said. “Power Dynamos have strong momentum too. But we also believe in ourselves. Nigerian footballers are never short of talent or heart.”
The captain urged supporters across Nigeria to get behind the team, noting that continental football requires collective energy. “This is bigger than Rivers United. We’re carrying the NPFL flag. We need the entire country behind us.”
Rivers United are expected to begin their campaign away in Cairo later this month, in what could set the tone for their Champions League adventure.
