Rivers United’s CAF Champions League campaign ended on away goals after a 2-2 draw with FC San Pedro in Uyo — here’s how the tie was lost and what’s next domestically.
Rivers United’s 2026/27 CAF Champions League campaign is over. FC San Pedro of Côte d’Ivoire advanced to the second preliminary round on away goals after a 2-2 draw at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Uyo on Sunday, September 13, with the tie finishing level at 3-3 on aggregate.
Rivers United had given themselves a platform in the first leg in Côte d’Ivoire, coming from behind to draw 1-1 at the Laurent Pokou Stadium. Issouf Dosso put San Pedro ahead in the 55th minute before substitute Douglas Iyowuna equalised in the 69th, giving the Nigerian side a precious away goal to carry into the second leg.
San Pedro struck twice inside the opening quarter-hour in Uyo, with Adewimi Alabi opening the scoring before Dosso doubled the visitors’ advantage. Rivers United fought back through two penalties — Chijioke Mbaoma converted in the 42nd minute and Douglas Iyowuna scored his second of the tie from the spot in the 87th minute — but the 2-2 scoreline wasn’t enough. With the aggregate tied at 3-3, San Pedro’s two away goals in Uyo outweighed Rivers United’s single away goal from the first leg, sending the Ivorian side through.
The elimination ends Rivers United’s continental involvement for the season and turns the club’s full focus back to the NPFL title race, where they were among the pace-setters last term. Forward Yemi Olanrewaju was reported to have been critical of the team’s finishing in the tie, while club figures have framed the early continental exit as extra motivation for the domestic campaign. Rivers United were straight back into league action, hosting Warri Wolves in a rescheduled Matchday 3 fixture at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Wednesday, September 16.
Why were Rivers United eliminated from the CAF Champions League?
They lost the tie to FC San Pedro on away goals after the two legs finished level at 3-3 on aggregate — San Pedro’s two away goals in the second leg outweighed Rivers United’s one away goal from the first leg.
What was the score in both legs against San Pedro?
The first leg in Côte d’Ivoire finished 1-1. The second leg in Uyo finished 2-2, with the aggregate score 3-3.
Who scored for Rivers United in the tie?
Douglas Iyowuna scored in both legs (69th minute in the first leg, an 87th-minute penalty in the second), and Chijioke Mbaoma converted a 42nd-minute penalty in the second leg.
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Sources: Peoples Gazette Nigeria, Benin Web TV, NigFooty, Sports247 Nigeria.
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