The Confederation of African Football has cancelled the Interclubs Quarter-Finals Preparation Course, earlier scheduled to take place in Cairo, Egypt, from March 4 to 8, 2026, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The elite programme was designed to prepare selected match officials ahead of the decisive knockout rounds of CAF’s premier inter-club competitions, including the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup.

Information gathered indicates that the cancellation was due to visa delays and flight ticket challenges affecting several participants expected to attend the exercise.

The course was aimed at sharpening referees and other officials in critical areas such as game management, Video Assistant Referee application, and interpretation of the Laws of the Game in preparation for the quarter-final fixtures.

CAF is yet to communicate a new date for the programme as Africa’s top-tier club competitions approach their decisive stages.

Despite arriving with a depleted squad ravaged by injuries, defending champions FC Pyramids underlined their pedigree with a dominant 4–1 victory over Rivers United in a CAF Champions League group-stage encounter, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian side had initially raised hopes when Manyo fired them into the lead in the 33rd minute, sparking optimism among the home supporters.

That advantage, however, proved short-lived as the Egyptian champions returned for the second half with renewed intensity and composure. Fathi drew Pyramids level in the 52nd minute, setting the tone for a sustained spell of pressure that Rivers United struggled to contain.

Marwan completed the turnaround in the 66th minute with a well-taken goal that put the visitors firmly in control. As Rivers United pushed forward in search of an equaliser, they were left exposed at the back, a weakness Pyramids ruthlessly exploited.

Late strikes from Odeh and Nasser sealed an emphatic victory for the Egyptian side, highlighting their superior depth and experience on the continental stage.

The defeat confirms Rivers United’s elimination from the CAF Champions League at the group stage, bringing an early end to their continental campaign and underlining the challenges faced against Africa’s elite clubs.

Rivers United Technical Manager Finidi George has conceded that his side’s chances of qualifying for the knockout stage of the 2025/2026 CAF Champions League are now almost impossible following their 1–0 defeat to Power Dynamos on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Matchday Four Group A encounter was played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, where the Zambian visitors deepened the Pride of Rivers’ struggles in the competition.

A goal from Kondwani Chiboni five minutes into the second half proved decisive, condemning Rivers United to their third defeat in four group matches, with just one draw to show for their efforts so far. The result leaves the Nigerian champions without a win in Group A and firmly rooted at the bottom of the standings.

Speaking after the game, Finidi admitted that progression to the next round is now highly unlikely, but stressed that his team will still fight for pride in their remaining fixtures against Pyramids FC of Egypt and RS Berkane of Morocco.

“We definitely want to get our first victory in the competition. We know that we are going to play against the two top teams in the group — Pyramids of Egypt and RS Berkane of Morocco — in the last two games,” Finidi said.

“But all is possible in football, even though qualification for the knockout stage is very difficult — almost impossible. We still want to show character and at least get a win in the last two games.”

The former Super Eagles winger expressed disappointment with his side’s approach, particularly their slow start, which he felt played a major role in the defeat.

“I feel we started the game slowly — a game we were supposed to win. We were passing the ball too much at the back, and that gave them more time to organise properly,” he explained.

Despite dominating large spells after conceding, Rivers United failed to make their pressure count.

“After they scored, we came all out to try to get an equaliser. We created a lot of chances, but we couldn’t convert any of them,” Finidi said.

“In the second half, I thought we had a couple of chances to score two or three goals, but it didn’t happen. That’s football for you.”

Finidi praised Power Dynamos for their defensive resilience and acknowledged the fine margins that decided the game.

“I have to congratulate Power Dynamos for how they defended and for the lucky goal they scored. We conceded from just a pull-out — it’s unfortunate, but it’s part of football,” he added.

The former Enyimba coach was careful not to place blame on his players, instead pointing to inexperience at the continental level as a key factor behind their struggles.

“In a game like this, you have to be very aggressive in the first 20 minutes, and I felt we were a bit passive,” he said.

“For most of the players we have now, this is a learning process. If you take out two or three players from the squad, none of the rest has even played in the CAF competitions before.”

Finidi remains hopeful that the experience gained this season will prove valuable in the future.

“They will learn from this. If we find ourselves in this situation next season, I believe the players will do better. But for now, it’s quite unfortunate,” he concluded.

Rivers United head coach Finidi George has admitted that his side faces a stern challenge against Power Dynamos ahead of their CAF Champions League Matchday Four clash this weekend, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian champions earned a valuable away point in Ndola on Matchday Three after holding the Zambian side to a goalless draw, a result that kept Rivers United firmly in contention in the group. Speaking ahead of the return fixture, Finidi highlighted the quality of opposition at this stage of the competition and warned that Power Dynamos will still be dangerous despite playing away from home.

“First, we will rest and then see how we can prepare properly for the game,” Finidi said.

“Any team in the group stage of the CAF Champions League deserves to be there. They are good enough, so we expect an interesting game. We will see what happens on Saturday.”

Rivers United will host Power Dynamos at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, as they look to make home advantage count and boost their chances of qualifying from the group.

Moroccan Botola Pro champions RS Berkane produced a stunning late turnaround to defeat Rivers United 2–1 in their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Matchday 2 clash at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Rivers United appeared on course for a historic victory after leading for most of the encounter, only to concede twice in stoppage time as defensive lapses proved costly.

The hosts took the lead in the 37th minute, scoring their first-ever goal in the CAF Champions League group stage—though it came through an own goal. Mamadou Lamine Camara inadvertently turned the ball into his net after Ubong Friday’s effort forced pressure inside the box.

Rivers United defended their advantage deep into the match, but RS Berkane struck late in dramatic fashion.

Youness El Kaabi levelled the score in the 90+6 minute, punishing a moment of hesitation in the Rivers United backline. Just a minute later, Mounir Chouiar completed the comeback with a composed finish, sealing a 2–1 victory for the North African giants.

The heartbreaking defeat leaves Rivers United with two losses after two matches, while Berkane stay top of the standings with two wins in two.

Uche Dozie 

CAF has confirmed the draw procedures for the CAF Champions League Group Stage to hold on Monday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Sixteen clubs will be divided into four groups (A–D), with seeding based on performances over the past five seasons.

In Pot 1: Al Ahly, Mamelodi Sundowns, ES Tunis, RS Berkane while Pot 2 has: Simba, Pyramids, Al Hilal, Young Africans.

Nigeria's Rivers United are in Pot 3 with Petro Luanda, AS FAR, MC Alger, while Pot 4: JS Kabylie, Stade Malien, St Eloi Lupopo, Power Dynamos.

Each pot will fill Groups A–D in order (A1–D4).

The draws will held  in Johannesburg, South Africa on Monday, 3 November.

Uche Dozie

After a 1-5 loss in the first leg in Abeokuta last week, the Brazilians completed the rout to beat the Sky Blue Stars by two goals to zero in Pretoria.

Nuno Santos broke the deadlock for the hosts before Peter Shalulile doubled the lead in a first half where the South African club side dominated their opponents.

It was a better performance in the second 45, but all efforts for a good proved abortive at the end of that final whistle.

Uche Dozie

Nigeria's Rivers United have reached the group stage of the CAF Champions League following their 3-2 aggregate win over Black Bulls on Saturday in Uyo, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Pride of Rivers defeated the Mozambican club side 3-1 to overturn a 0-1 loss in the first leg at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium as they make their first CAFCL group stage appearance.

Goals from Wasiu Falolu, Maclyn Biokpo, and Timothy Zachariah after Moctar Diallo's early second-half strike for the visitors helped Rivers United progress.

A dominating start from the hosts saw the deadlock broken in the 15th minutes as Wasiu Falolu put Rivers United in front after he rebounded Maclyn Biokpo's blocked shot.

The former champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League continued to increase the heat for another goal and the visitors finally succumbed after a foul on Timothy Zachariah in the box. Maclyn Biokpo stepped up and scored from the spot in the 42nd minutes.

Black Bulls pulled one back within the opening five minutes of the second half, with Moctar Diallo finding the back of the net.

With ten minutes left to the end of the game, Rivers United got their cushion restored following Timothy Zachariah's close range shot to make it 3-1.

With the win, Rivers United become the first Nigerian club to reach the group stages of the CAF Champions League since 2018.

Uche Dozie

Nigeria's Sunday Adetunji was on the score sheet leading Al Hilal of Sudan to victory over Kenya Police to reach the CAF Champions League group stage on Friday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Sudanese giants defeated the Kenyan side 3-1 at the Benina Martyrs Stadium, 4-1 on aggregate after a 0-1 win in the first leg.

Al Hilal dominated the early exchanges and finally broke the deadlock in the 36th minute when Abdel Raouf’s pinpoint cross from a set piece found Adetunji, who rose highest to head home.

Eric Zakayo slotted home to equalise and give the visitors a brief hope early in the second half.

The hosts lead was restored on 63 minutes after Adetunji smashed in a volley from the right to make it 2-1 on the night.

The Sudanese side capped their dominant performance with a third goal in stoppage time, sealing a comfortable victory and progression to the next stage.

Uche Dozie

Remo Stars manager Tiago Conde is confident that coming back from a four-goal deficit against Mamelodi Sundowns is not out of the question, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigeria Premier Football League champions were mauled by the South African club side 1-5 in the first leg of the second round of the CAF Champions League in Abeokuta.

The Sky Blue Stars manager, Tiago, however believes that the result can overturn when they play in South Africa in a week's time.

The Portuguese Coach mentioned that the approach and mentality towards the second leg encounter will change.

"This is football, sometimes you lose to learn. We’ll review our performance, fix our defensive lapses, and approach the second leg with a better mentality.

“Overturning a four-goal deficit is tough, but not impossible.”

The second leg of the encounter will be played in Tshwane on Sunday.

Uche Dozie

Nigeria's Rivers United were edged by Black Bulls of Mozambique in their first leg second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

?The Bulls pipped the Pride of Rivers by a goal to nil at the Lalgy Sport Arena, Tchueme on Saturday after an intense encounter.

?A goal early in the second half by substitute and Senegalese centre forward, Moctar Diallo was all the Mozambican club needed to win the tie.

The result leaves Black Bulls with the advantage as the two sides head for the second league in Uyo, Nigeria where Rivers United will seek to overturn the final outcome of the encounter.

?Uche Dozie

Nigeria Premier Football League champions, Remo Stars ate the humble pie against Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa in the first leg of the CAF Champions League second round, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Sky Blue Stars fell 1-5 to the Brazilians at the MKO Abiola Sport Arena in the second preliminary round encounter played on Sunday.

It was a day to forget for the Ikenne based club as the hosts were down as early as the 12th minutes after much pressure by the South African side.

Tashreeq Matthews  found the back of the net with a brilliant effort from outside the box.

Few minutes after a save from Obassa in the 36th minutes, the Brazilians doubled their lead through Peter Shalulile who beat the defender to slot past the goalkepper on 41 minutes.

The second half was no different as Sundowns kept the momentum of the first half and after a minute past the one hour mark the third goal was scored.

Mudau Khuliso broke on the wing with a brilliant piece of skill to find Miguel Reisinho who tapped it in to get his first goal for The Brazilians.

?Arthur Sales added his name to the scoresheet with a superb finish, set up by an assist from Nuno in the 74th minutes.

Two minutes later, Remo Stars redeemed some form of pride to pull one back through Samson Olasupo who cut to his right and slammed low after a layoff by Goita.

Nevertheless, the visitors were not done yet as Tsiki Ntsabeleng wrapped up the win on 84 minutes with his first goal in Masandawana colours for after tapping in Mothiba’s perfectly timed pass.

At the end of the final whistle , a dominant five-star performance from Masandawana leaves the second leg almost impossible for the Nigerian representatives to overturn at Loftus next Sunday.

Uche Dozie

Rivers United have joined Remo Stars to progress to the next round of the CAF Champions League, while Kwara United and Abia Warriors failed to qualify to the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Pride of Rivers piped FC Les Aigles du Congo at the Godswill Akpabio Intl Stadium, Uyo, to reach the second round of the prestigious competition.

A goal at the brink of the first half by Stephen Manyo was enough to earn Rivers United a 1-0 win and a 1-0 aggregate win in both legs.

It was a different case for other teams representing Nigeria, like Kwara United and Abia Warriors, as they lost to Djoliba and Asante Kotoko, respectively.

Ghanaian club, Asante Kotoko, beat Nigerian club, Kwara United, 1-0 (5-3 on aggregate) to qualify for the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Djoliba won 1-0 to win 2-1 on aggregate at Bamako.

Remo Stars, who triumphed over US Zilimadjou 5-0 on aggregate, progress to the next round with Rivers United.

Uche Dozie

Nigeria Premier Football League reigning champions, Remo Stars have progressed to the next round of the CAF Champions League following their triumph over US Zilimadjou, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Sky Blue Stars defeated the Comoros side 0-1 at the MKO Abiola Sport Arena to win 5-0 on aggregate in the preliminary round to reach the second round for the first in their history.

Alex Oyowah on the 73rd minutes scored from the spot to after a US Zilmadjou defender handled the ball in the 18-yard area to give the Ikenne side the win.

The NPFL champions will now face Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa in the final qualifying round to reach the group stage.

The first leg of the encounter with the South African club side will hold at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta on October 19.

Uche Dozie

Nigeria Premier Football League champions, Remo Stars, kick-started their campaign in the CAF Champions League on a great note, while Abia Warriors took a point and Kwara United narrowly lost, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Mixed fortunes greeted Nigeria's representative in the CAF engagements - Champions League and the Confederation Cup.

While it was a sweet taste to savour for the Sky Blue Stars at home, it was not the same for Abia Warriors and especially Kwara United.

Remo Stars pummeled Comoros’ US Zilimadjou with a resounding 4–0 victory at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

Goals from Leonard Ngenge, Ebuka Anthony, Malian forward Adama Goita, and substitute Samson Olasupo ensured a comfortable win for the Nigerian side.

Rivers United had played a goalless draw with Les Aigles du Congo at the iconic Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, DR Congo, earlier on Saturday.

It was goals galore at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday as Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko claimed a thrilling 4–3 victory over Nigeria’s Kwara United in their CAF Confederation Cup first-leg clash.

Emmanuel Antwi fired Kotoko ahead in the 18th minute, but Johnmark Aule equalized for the visitors midway through the first half. Albert Amoah restored Kotoko’s lead on the stroke of halftime, only for Aule to strike again in added time to make it 2–2 at the break.

Asante Kotoko regained the advantage just two minutes into the second half before Amoah extended the lead from the penalty spot in the 70th minute. Kwara United, however, refused to back down, with Shola pulling one back in the 85th minute to set up a tense finale.

Abia Warriors played a 1-1 draw against Malian side Djoliba in the CAF Confederation Cup first-leg clash in Umuahia.

Emeka Obioma gave the Nigerian side the lead with a well-taken header, and the hosts looked on course to take a slim advantage into the return leg. However, Djoliba found an equalizer in the 87th minute, leaving the tie finely balanced.

Uche Dozie

Bayelsa Queens have lost the final of the CAF Women's Champions League WAFU B Qualifiers against ASEC Mimosas on Friday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Prosperity Girls lost the final 7-8 on penalties after full time and extra time ended 1-1 at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium.

After Diallo Ami scored in the 6th minute for the host, Emem Essien restored parity for the Nigerian Women's Football League champions in the 18th minute.

The push for a win continued for both sides till the end of 90 minutes as the score remained 1-all.

The battle for supremacy continued between the two sides in extra time, but there was nothing to choose between the two sides at the end of extra time as the game moved to penalties.

The defending champions edged the shot out after the first round of penalties to be crowned champions again and the sole representative of WAFU zone B in the CAF Women's Champions League.

Uche Dozie

Bayelsa Queens have reached the final of the CAF Women's Champions League WAFU B qualifiers after beating USFA of Burkina Faso, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Prosperity Girls came from behind to edge the Burkina Faso side 2-1 at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Comfort Yeboah opened score for USFA in the 2nd minutes of the game before Emem Essien restored parity for Bayelsa Queens as the first 45 minutes ended 1-1.

Seimeyeha Akekoromowei completed the come back for the Nigerian representatives to seal a hard fought victory and reach the final of the competition.

Bayelsa Queens play host, ASEC MIMOSAS in the final after the Cote D'Ivoire side defeated Police Ladies of Ghana 4-1 in the first semi final.

Uche Dozie

Bayelsa Queens continue their fine run in the CAF Women's Champions League WAFU B qualifiers after a third win in three matches, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Prosperity Girls earn an emphatic win 4-1 over Sam Nelly in Yamoussoukro in their last group stage match.

Seimeyeha Akekoromowei put the Nigeria Women's Football League champions in front after 15 minutes before Shakirat Moshood doubled the lead on 26 minutes with her third goal of the tournament.

Kalu Favour pulled one back for the Benin Republic side to end the first half 2-1 in favour of Bayelsa Queens.

Alaba Olabiyi made it three on 55 minutes before Akekoromowei's second consolidated victory for the Nigerian representatives.

Uche Dozie

The Prosperity Girls defeated ASKO X of Togo 3-0 at the Stade du Lycée Scientifique, a consecutive win after a 2-1 over Police Ladies in the first match on Wednesday evening.

After a goalless affair in the first 45 minutes, the Nigerian representatives gave a commanding performance in the second 45 to ease past their opponents.

Oumou Bani, following pressure from Bayelsa Queens, put the ball at the back of her own net just two minutes into the half to give the NWFL champions the lead.

Alaba Olabiyi doubled the lead following a brilliant header after a cross by Janet Akekoromowei in the 53rd minute.

Shakirat Moshood, with a brilliant left-footed finish off a long ball over the top from Sefiat Idris, wrapped up victory with her second goal of the tournament in the 80th minute.

Bayelsa Queens play Sam Nelly of Benin in their last group game on Saturday, the 30th of August, 2025.

Uche Dozie

Nigeria Women's Football League champions, Bayelsa Queens have started their Women's Champions League WAFU B qualifiers with a win over Police Ladies, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Prosperity Girls edged the champions of Ghana 2-1 after goals from Shakirat Moshood and Emem Essien at Stade charles Konan Banny.

Moshood opened score after 11 minutes played following domination of early minutes of play.

Bayelsa Queens continued the push for more goals, but a 36 minutes goal line clearance and 39 minutes save from Police Ladies' goalkeeper to keep the score 1-0 at half time.

The Ghanaians tried getting back into the game with an attempt at goal, but it was Bayelsa Queens that doubled their lead on 62 minutes through Emem Essien.

Mercy Berko pulled one back five minutes later to reduce the deficit, but the Prosperity Girls held on for the win.

Bayelsa Queens play Association Sportive De La Kozah of Togo in their next group game on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.

Uche Dozie