Rivers United have promised to do everything possible to beat Club Africain in their third game of the 2023/24 CAF Confederation Cup at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, today.
Rivers United lost their last game against Dream FC of Ghana last week, while Club Africain defeated Academica de Lobito to maintain their position as the top side in Group C.
To remain in contention for a quarterfinal ticket, the Pride of Rivers must win today in a game classified as the match of the day in the group.
Looking ahead to a successful outing against a side tipped as one of the top contenders for the title this season, Rivers United Manager, Stanley Eguma, said his boys have been primed for victory despite their opponent’s pedigree.
He said: “Rivers United against Club Africain is a big match considering the pedigree of both teams, but to still be in contention we are itching for a win. We have worked hard towards this game and we are ready to get a good result.”
Eguma said his players are ready, psychologically alright and are ready to go. “The spirit in camp is high and the players are ready to give their all. The technical crew have done their bit and the management has also done their part. We expect victory in the game,” he added.
Club Captain, Nyima Nwagua, echoed his manager’s optimism, saying that although Club Africain are among the top-rated sides in the competition, nothing would stop Rivers United from getting the victory they desire.
The last time Rivers United played at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, they found goal scoring easy and Nwagua believes they have worked hard to recreate that scenario.
“Although no two games are the same, we are prepared to score goals to stand well on the log. After the 2-1 defeat in Kumasi, we want to start on a good note.
“In Kumasi against Dream FC, we didn’t start well and conceded two goals before we started fighting back. We don’t want that to happen in this game. We have learnt our lessons and we are ready.”
On the different kind of problems North African clubs pose opposed to teams from other regions, Nwagua said: “We played them before and know some of their antics. Right now, we are focused on our game and want to do the right things to win and climb up the log.”
Club Africain arrived in Uyo on Friday brimming with confidence. They are topping Group C with six points from their two wins against Dream FC of Ghana and Academica de Lobito of Angola.
They trained at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium last night and want the win that would aid their passage to the quarterfinals.
