Rivers United head coach Finidi George has praised his players after their dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Wikki Tourists in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
The important away win in Bauchi not only kept Rivers United firmly in the NPFL title race, but also confirmed the club’s qualification for the 2026/27 CAF Champions League alongside league leaders Enugu Rangers.
Rivers United end long away drought in dramatic fashion
The Port Harcourt side produced one of their biggest results of the season at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium after coming from behind twice to defeat Wikki Tourists in a thrilling Matchday 37 encounter.
The Pride of Rivers had gone 11 away matches without a win before arriving in Bauchi, with their last league victory on the road coming against Plateau United in December 2025.
Wikki Tourists took the lead in the 21st minute through Jephtaph Mairiga, but Handsome Surveyor restored parity for Rivers United in the 35th minute.
The home side regained the advantage shortly after the restart when Imamu Bala scored in the 47th minute.
However, Finidi’s men refused to give up as Chijioke Mbaoma equalised in the 59th minute before Taofeek Otaniyi completed the comeback with the winning goal in the 83rd minute.
Reacting after the match, the former Super Eagles boss admitted it was a tough battle for his side.
“A difficult match to come back from 1-0, then 2-1. We had to come back, and the boys gave their all in the last six minutes to get that third goal. It was not an easy one.
“I must commend my boys; I think this was their first match here (in Bauchi), so they had the home support wanting them to win, but at the end of the day we clinched the three points, which makes it”
The victory was Rivers United’s second away win of the season in all competitions and ended a five-month, 29-day winless run on the road.
Finidi proud of Rivers United’s CAF Champions League qualification
Despite sitting one point behind Rangers International heading into the final matchday, Finidi insisted his side remains fully focused on winning their final game of the season.
“We’re going home to see how we can win our home match, and then we leave the rest to God.
“Whatever result that happens in other centres, we don’t bother that much, you know, despite the fact that Rangers are ahead of us.
“We know Ikorodu also is looking for something, you know, to clinch that third place, so it’s going to be a difficult game for them as well, but we, on the other hand, have to win our home match.”
The former Enyimba boss also celebrated Rivers United’s achievement of securing CAF Champions League football for the second consecutive season.
“It’s a good qualification that has been secured. Now we have to see how we can win. Getting CAF Champions League qualification two years in a row is outstanding.
“That’s a good job. Most teams are looking for this position, and it’s not forthcoming. We have to commend the players for that mentality, qualifying twice in two years; I think it’s outstanding.”
Rivers United and Rangers International are now guaranteed to finish inside the top two positions in the NPFL standings and will represent Nigeria in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.
Meanwhile, Shooting Stars, Ikorodu City, and Nasarawa United remain locked in the battle for the remaining continental qualification places heading into the final round of matches.