EUROMATCH–NPFL: Rivers United Now Focusing On League After CAFCL Exit – Olanrewaju

Rivers United Assistant Coach, Yemi Olanrewaju, says the Pride of Rivers will now shift their focus to the domestic top flight following the club’s exit from the CAF Champions League, Completesports.com reports.

Rivers United finished in second position during the 2025/2026 NPFL season, which earned them the right to represent Nigeria in the 2026/2027 CAF Champions League alongside Enugu Rangers.

However, an aggregate 3-3 scoreline against FC San Pedro of Ivory Coast saw the Nigerian side exit the continental stage on the away goals rule.

Rivers United Turn Focus To Domestic Campaign

As painful as the exit was, Olanrewaju said the club would take the positives from their continental campaign and focus more on the domestic season.

Also Read: Euromatch NPFL: Rivers United Move Up To Third Spot After 2-0 Win Against Wolves

Olanrewaju spoke on Wednesday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Omagwa, near Port Harcourt, after Rivers United thumped Warri Wolves 2-0 in a rescheduled EuroMatch‐NPFL 2026/27 Matchday 3 fixture.

“At the start of last season, we had the highest points away,” Olanrewaju began.

“But when we commenced the continental engagements, with their attendant fixture congestion, things changed.

“Now that we’re no longer in the continent, hopefully, we’ll concentrate on the league and see how we can get the ticket back on the continental stage again.”

South-South Derby Victory

In that EuroMatch‐NPFL Matchday 3 clash,
Abdulrasheed Shehu Dabai and Chinemerem Ugwueze scored in the 22nd and 75th minutes respectively as Rivers United claimed all three points in the ‘South-South Derby’ against Warri Wolves.

I’m Sab Osuji, a sports journalist with over 35 years working experience. I’ve worked in several media houses, print in particular, and have covered many international engagements, such as CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup, All Africa Games, FIFA U20 World Cup, AFCON and World Cup qualifying games amongst other major tournaments.