All eyes will be on the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, this Saturday, 25th October 2025, when Rivers United face Black Bulls of Mozambique in what has been described as a make-or-mar CAF Champions League second-leg clash.
This match represents Nigeria’s best chance of staying in the CAF Club competition after Remo Stars suffered a heavy 5–1 first-leg defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa.
Preview: Rivers United vs Black Bulls
Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. (Nigerian time) as Rivers United look to overturn a 1–0 first-leg deficit and reach the CAF Champions League group stage for the first time in the club’s nine-year history.
In the first leg in Matola, Mozambique, Moctar Diallo’s[1] early second-half strike gave Black Bulls a slim advantage heading into the decisive return fixture in Uyo. Rivers United will now hope to make home advantage count and seal their spot in the group stage of Africa’s most prestigious club competition, set to begin in November.
What the Managers Said
Finidi George (Rivers United Coach):
“It’s going to be a very interesting match and we are prepared for the challenge. We will play to win.”
Custodio Gune (Black Bulls Coach):
“I anticipate a duel that will be decided in detail.”
Team News
Rivers United welcome back Samson Obi and Handsome Surveyor, who both missed the first leg, while Rivio Ayemwenre is also available for selection and could feature.
For the visitors, Martinho has returned to training after picking up an injury in the first leg, while Rume is another player expected to pose a threat for the Mozambican side.
Facts and Stats
- Both Rivers United and Black Bulls are seeking to qualify for the CAF Champions League group stage for the first time in their history.
- Rivers United have scored in every home CAF competition match played in Uyo since 2023.
Match Officials
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Kouassi Frederic Francois Biro from Côte d’Ivoire as the centre referee. He will be assisted by compatriots Prosper Adiouman (Assistant Referee 1) and Eba Médard Wenceslas Ettien (Assistant Referee 2), with Patrick Tanguy Jean Philippe Vlei serving as the fourth official.
The match commissioner is Munkaila Nassam Adam from Ghana.
Match Overview
Fixture: Rivers United vs Black Bulls
Date: Saturday, 25th October 2025
Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
Kick-off: 4:00 p.m. (Nigerian time)
With everything to play for, Rivers United will look to draw strength from their fans in Uyo as they chase a historic qualification to the group stage of the CAF Champions League.
References
- ^ Matola, Mozambique, Moctar Diallo’s (sportsration.com)