Rivers United endured a difficult start to their 2025/2026 CAF Champions League campaign, falling 3–0 to Egypt’s Pyramids FC in Cairo. The hosts were inspired by Ahmed Atef El Sayed, whose superb hat-trick the first of the 22-year-old’s continental career sealed all three points.
The Nigerian side struggled to find rhythm throughout the match, with Pyramids dominating possession and exploiting defensive lapses. El Sayed’s clinical finishing proved the difference as Rivers United were left with work to do in a challenging Group A.
Elsewhere in Group A
In the group’s other fixture, RS Berkane defeated Zambia’s Power Dynamos by the same scoreline, 3–0, meaning Pyramids and Berkane sit jointly at the top of the table after Matchday One.
Rivers United Face Crucial Test Next
Rivers United now turn their attention to a crucial home clash against RS Berkane on Friday, 28 November.
The Nigerian champions must start picking up points quickly, especially as no Nigerian club has reached the CAF Champions League knockout stages since Enyimba in 2016.
The pressure is on, and a strong response will be needed if Rivers United hope to revive their continental ambitions.