Nigeria’s Rivers United have been placed in one of the toughest pools of the upcoming 2025–26 CAF Champions League, following the official group stage draw in Johannesburg. The Port Harcourt-based side will compete in Group A alongside Pyramids FC of Egypt, RS Berkane of Morocco and Zambia’s Power Dynamos.

Group Composition & Context

Group A features defending champions Pyramids FC and RS Berkane, fresh off a CAF Confederation Cup title—two clubs with continental pedigree. Rivers United will face their toughest challenge yet as they make their first appearance in the group phase. Meanwhile, Power Dynamos complete the quartet.

Groups B, C and D bring their own heavyweights:

• Group B: Al Ahly (Egypt), Young Africans (Tanzania), AS FAR (Morocco), JS Kabylie (Algeria)
• Group C: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Al Hilal (Sudan), MC Alger (Algeria), St Éloi Lupopo (DR Congo)
• Group D: Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), Simba SC (Tanzania), Petro de Luanda (Angola), Stade Malien (Mali)

For Rivers United, this draw marks a milestone: they are the first Nigerian club since 2019 to reach this stage of the tournament. It’s a huge opportunity—but also a massive test.

Group A is widely labelled a “group of death”, given the level of the opposition. Previous champions, recent cup winners and rising contenders all share the same pool.

The group stage will kick off on November 21–23 2025, then pause for the Africa Cup of Nations before World knockout rounds begin in March 2026. The prize money: $4 million for the winners and $2 million for runners-up.

Rivers United’s Challenge

Beyond the prestige, this draw means Rivers United must step up in every area—tactics, fitness, squad depth and experience. Facing clubs that have won continental titles means there’s no margin for error.

The Nigerian club will be carrying national hopes on a crowded continental stage. Mission: punch above their weight, fight for every point, and show Nigeria’s club football still has a place among Africa’s best.

Matchdays to Watch

The group stage begins:

• Matchday 1: November 21–23 2025
• Matchday 2: November 28–30 2025
  Pause for the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, then resume:
• Matchday 3: January 23–25 2026
• Matchday 4: January 30–February 1 2026
• Matchday 5: February 6–8 2026
• Matchday 6: February 13–15 2026