The team departed Nigeria on Wednesday after travelling from Port Harcourt to Lagos on Tuesday. The contingent, made up of players, coaches, and officials, flew out through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, for the long trip to Maputo.
The first-leg encounter is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 18 October, at the Campo da ABB Stadium in Maputo. The return leg will hold a week later at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria.
The winner of the two-legged fixture will progress to the group stage of the CAF Champions League, where Africa’s best clubs will compete for continental glory and huge financial rewards.
According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Namibian referee Negongo Mweshitsama Naftal will take charge of the first leg. He will be assisted by fellow Namibians Alex Muzibwene Lumponjani and Hangula Velinoma Angula, while Fillipus Hanyemunange Nghilinganye will serve as the fourth official. Suleiman Othman from Zanzibar has been appointed as the match commissioner.
Rivers United, Nigeria’s remaining representative in this season’s CAF Champions League, will be hoping to secure a strong result in Maputo to boost their chances of reaching the lucrative group stage for the first time in their history.