Rivers United captain Stephen Manyo has assured Nigerians that the Pride of Rivers are going to Saturday’s 2026/2027 CAF Champions League preliminary round first-leg away clash against San Pedro of Côte d’Ivoire to compete, Completesports.com reports.
The Rivers United contingent departed Nigeria on Wednesday evening for Côte d’Ivoire ahead of the clash against San Pedro, with the CAF Champions League preliminary round first-leg tie billed for Saturday, 5 September 2026.
Manyo stressed that the match is very important and that they will approach it like a cup final, bearing in mind that a good result in the first leg will make the return fixture next week at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, less difficult.
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“For me, this game against San Pedro is really important to us because this game is like a final,” Manyo began.
Stephen Manyo
“Getting a good result against San Pedro will really give us an edge coming back home to play the return-leg match. So, I believe we’re going to San Pedro to compete, and I believe we’re going to get a good result so that, coming back home, the job will be an easy one for us when they come for the return-leg match.”
Responding to a question about the source of his confidence, Manyo said the players have prepared well and are highly motivated.
“For me, I’ll say we’re fully prepared for the 2026/2027 season because, give or take, this is about six or seven weeks since we resumed serious preparations.
“And you can see from our first EuroMatch/NPFL game of the season against Plateau United that we are ready for what’s to come this season. So, I think we’re ready to compete, and I believe that, by the grace of God, we’ll compete very well.”
Manyo also revealed that the players have received an additional financial boost following their opening-day victory over Plateau United.
“I think the players of Rivers United are motivated because after we won our last game against Plateau United, the Sole Administrator, Barrister Chris Green, promised the team N2 million, which he has already redeemed.
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“So, I believe getting a good result in San Pedro will mean more money to the boys. You know, this football is all about money.
“That alone, having a good result and knowing fully well that our Sole Administrator, Barrister Chris Green, and the management of the club are behind us and are there to support us financially and otherwise, I think that alone is an extra motivation.
“As a person, you have to motivate yourself even without being motivated because we have a young crop of players in the team who are ready to showcase their talents to the world.
“I believe it’s a platform for them to showcase themselves to the world. So, it’s an extra motivation as a person.”
