Nigeria’s Rivers United should not mathematically out of the CAF Champions League but, however they are going to want a miracle and numerous laborious work as they put together to face Pyramids FC in the present day on the Godswill Akpabio Worldwide Stadium.
The Nigeria Premier Soccer League leaders have struggled in Africa this season and sit backside of Group A with only one level from 4 matches. Nonetheless, soccer is stuffed with surprises, and qualification continues to be doable, although impossible.
If Rivers United can beat Pyramids in the present day after which document one other massive win away to RS Berkane in Morocco, they may nonetheless end with seven factors. In that case, they might additionally want Pyramids to beat Energy Dynamos in Egypt, which might see three groups end on seven factors and Rivers United progress on purpose distinction. It’s a troublesome path, however not inconceivable.
Regardless of the robust state of affairs, head coach Finidi George has urged his gamers to take pride and struggle for the membership. Talking earlier than the match, he mentioned his staff should begin strongly and play with aggression and accountability.
“So, we simply play for our delight this time round. We nonetheless must proceed and alter our angle, particularly within the first half,” Finidi mentioned. “In a sport like this, we have now to be very aggressive within the first 20 minutes.”
Group A continues to be aggressive. Pyramids lead with 10 factors, whereas RS Berkane and Energy Dynamos each have seven factors. Rivers United are backside with one level, however their remaining matches might nonetheless have an effect on who qualifies for the quarter-finals.
Finidi admitted the problem will probably be big, as Pyramids are the reigning African champions and are desperate to safe their place within the subsequent spherical. Nonetheless, he believes his gamers should give the whole lot for the badge.
“We would like the gamers to do their utmost finest to verify we get our first victory. I do know it’s not going to be a simple match,” he mentioned. “We all know we have now to play for our delight, the gamers’ delight, and the membership’s delight.”
For Rivers United, in the present day’s match is about perception, effort, and dignity. An enormous win in opposition to Pyramids would preserve their slim hopes alive and ship a powerful message that they’re able to struggle till the tip.
