Rivers United head coach Finidi George has made it clear that pride will drive his side when they face Pyramids FC in their CAF Champions League Matchday 5 encounter.
The Nigerian champions come into the fixture bottom of Group A with just one point from four matches, following a narrow 1–0 defeat to Zambia’s Power Dynamos.
Rivers United seek pride in CAF Champions League battle
With qualification now hanging by a thread, Rivers United are left with little margin for error as they prepare to confront the defending champions.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Finidi admitted his team missed opportunities in their previous outing but insisted the focus has now shifted to delivering a strong response.
He stressed that Rivers United must approach the game with greater intensity, particularly in the early stages, as they continue their search for a first win in the group.
“We just play for our pride this time around. We still have to continue and change our attitude, especially in the first half. In a game like this, we have to be very aggressive in the first 20 minutes,” he said.
Pyramids FC, meanwhile, arrive in Uyo in confident mood. The Egyptian side sit top of Group A after a commanding 3–0 victory over RS Berkane, a result that reinforced their status as one of the tournament’s strongest teams.
They also recorded a convincing 3–0 win over Rivers United in the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign.
Despite the challenge, Finidi believes the fixture offers his players a chance to restore belief and finish the group stage on a positive note.
Pyramids stand between Rivers United and first CAFCL win
He emphasized the importance of mindset, experience, and collective responsibility as Rivers United look to show resilience against one of Africa’s in-form sides.
“This team that’s coming here, they also want to seal their qualification here by not losing. We know we have to play for our pride, the players’ pride, and the club’s pride,” Finidi stated.
“We’ll go all out and see what happens. Experience is the best teacher. Once you have that experience in a tournament or in a competition, I think the next time you’re faced with that same situation, you’ll do better,” he concluded.
While progression to the knockout stage appears unlikely, Rivers United remain determined to compete with pride and purpose, hoping to make a statement in front of their supporters.