The Digest:
Nigerian Premier Football League side Rivers United have been eliminated from the CAF Champions League following a humbling 3-0 defeat to RS Berkane in Morocco, finishing the group stage without a single victory. According to Opta Nigeria, this marks the first time a Nigerian club has been knocked out of the group stage winless (P6 W0 D1 L5). The Pride of Rivers managed just four attempts throughout the match against the reigning CAF Confederation Cup champions, who registered 22 shots and led 2-0 at halftime before adding a third. Coach Finidi George now faces a dent on his CV, though his team sits second in the NPFL table with four games in hand and remains favourites to reclaim the league summit.
Key Points:
- The disastrous campaign damages Nigeria's continental football reputation and coefficient.
- It highlights the gap between NPFL champions and top North African clubs.
- Rivers United's players and coach face reputational loss, while the NPFL's image suffers.
- This signals the urgent need for improved preparation and investment for continental campaigns.
- The timing, with league title hopes alive, offers immediate redemption opportunity.
Sources: Opta Nigeria, Soccernet
