Rivers United technical manager Finidi George has expressed satisfaction after his side secured qualification for the 2026/2027 CAF Champions League with one match still left in the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season.
The Pride of Rivers produced a dramatic comeback to defeat Wikki Tourists 3-2 in an entertaining NPFL Matchday 37 clash at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium on Sunday.
The victory keeps Rivers United firmly in contention for the NPFL title ahead of their final game of the campaign against Katsina United this weekend.
Finidi’s men currently occupy second position on the league table, just one point behind Rangers International, who edged Bendel Insurance 2-1 in Enugu on Sunday.
Rangers will travel to face Ikorodu City on the final day of the season.
Rivers United Fight Back Twice in Bauchi
The home side took the lead in the 21st minute through Jonathan Mairiga, but Rivers United responded in the 34th minute when Handsome Surveyor restored parity.
Wikki Tourists regained their advantage shortly after the restart as Imamu Bala found the net in the 47th minute to make it 2-1.
Rivers United, however, refused to surrender. Chijioke Mbaoma equalised in the 59th minute after calmly finishing past the goalkeeper before Taofeek Otaniyi completed the comeback with a decisive winner five minutes from time.
Finidi Praises Players’ Character
Speaking after the game, Finidi commended his players for their resilience and determination in a difficult away fixture.
“It was a difficult match. To come back twice, – from 0-1, then 1-2 and later win 3-2 is no mean feat.
The boys gave their all in the last five-six minutes to get that third goal.
It wasn’t an easy game and I’ve to commend my boys coming to Bauchi, their first match here (in Bauchi) this season to get a win,” Finidi told reporters during a post match press conference after the match.
The former Super Eagles winger also acknowledged the challenge posed by the home crowd while insisting his side would remain focused on winning their final game of the season.“
They (Wikki Tourists) had home support, wanting them to win but at the end of the day we clinched the three points.”
We’ll be going back home to see how we can win our home (last) match and then we leave the rest to God irrespective of whatever result that happens in other centers we wouldn’t bother that much despite the fact that Rangers are ahead of us.“
We know Ikorodu City also is looking for something, — to clinch the third place.
So it gonna be a difficult game for them as well but we, on the other hand, have to win our own match and then leave the rest to God”.
Back-to-Back Continental Qualification
Finidi further expressed delight at guiding Rivers United to consecutive CAF Champions League qualifications, describing the achievement as remarkable.
“It’s a good qualification that has been secured.
Now, we’ve to see how we can win the (NPFL) league title”, added Finidi.“Getting a CAF Champions League qualification two years in a row is outstanding, you know.
“That’s a good job. Most teams are looking for this position but it hasn’t been forthcoming.
“So, we’ve to commend the players for their mentality in qualifying for the CAF Champions League back-to-back.
Its indeed very remarkably outstanding.”
