CAF Champions League 2025/26: Rivers United Face Pyramids FC, RS Berkane, and Power Dynamos in Fierce Group A Battle

Nigeria’s sole CAF Champions League representative, Rivers United, faces a daunting group stage as they clash with African heavyweights Pyramids FC, RS Berkane, and Zambia’s Power Dynamos in the 2025/26 campaign.

0 15 3 minutes read

Nigeria’s only surviving club in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League, Rivers United, has been handed a formidable task in Group A, where they will lock horns with reigning champions Pyramids FC of Egypt, Moroccan powerhouse RS Berkane, and Zambia’s Power Dynamos.

The draw ceremony, held on Monday afternoon at SuperSport Studios in Johannesburg, confirmed a mouthwatering set of fixtures that promises drama, rivalries, and high-quality football across the continent.

Tough Draw for Finidi George’s Men

Finidi George’s men secured their passage to the group stage after a convincing 3-1 aggregate victory over Mozambique’s Black Bulls. However, their next challenge will test their character and tactical discipline as they face three clubs with deep continental pedigree.

Pyramids FC, crowned CAF Champions League winners for the first time last season, enter the group as favourites. The Egyptian side, backed by top investment and a roster of seasoned internationals, will be looking to defend their title and assert dominance once again.

RS Berkane, one of North Africa’s most consistent performers in CAF competitions, are still chasing their first Champions League crown but bring extensive experience from their successful CAF Confederation Cup campaigns.

Completing the group are Power Dynamos, Zambia’s pride, who last made a continental mark by reaching the quarter-finals in 1985. Their return adds historical depth and an unpredictable edge to the group.

Group A: The Continent’s Spotlight

Group A has been widely described as the “Group of Death” due to its competitive balance and recent history. It also offers a thrilling rematch between RS Berkane and Pyramids FC, who met in the CAF Super Cup final, where Pyramids triumphed 1-0.

Elsewhere, Group B sees record 12-time champions Al Ahly paired with Young Africans of Tanzania, AS FAR of Morocco, and JS Kabylie of Algeria—four clubs with rich tradition and passionate fan bases.

Group C brings together South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, Sudan’s Al Hilal, Algeria’s MC Alger, and DR Congo’s St Éloi Lupopo, while Group D features four-time winners Espérance de Tunis, Tanzania’s Simba SC, Angola’s Petro de Luanda, and Stade Malien of Mali.

CAF Champions League 2025/26 Group Stage Fixtures

The group stage will commence on the weekend of November 21–23, 2025, with two rounds of matches before the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. The competition will pause during AFCON and resume between January 23 and 25, 2026, before progressing to the knockout phase starting March 13, 2026.

CAF confirmed that the Champions League winner will earn USD 4 million, while the runners-up will receive USD 2 million.

Rivers United Represent Nigerian Pride

For Rivers United, the mission goes beyond survival—it’s about restoring Nigeria’s legacy in Africa’s premier club competition. No Nigerian team has lifted the CAF Champions League since Enyimba’s back-to-back triumphs in 2003 and 2004, and Finidi’s side will carry the hopes of a football-loving nation eager for continental resurgence.

If the team can blend tactical discipline with attacking confidence, they stand a genuine chance to make history and challenge the dominance of North African clubs.

CAF Champions League 2025/26 Group Draw Summary

Group A: RS Berkane (Morocco), Pyramids FC (Egypt), Rivers United (Nigeria), Power Dynamos (Zambia)
Group B: Al Ahly (Egypt), Young Africans (Tanzania), AS FAR (Morocco), JS Kabylie (Algeria)
Group C: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Al Hilal (Sudan), MC Alger (Algeria), St Éloi Lupopo (DR Congo)
Group D: Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia), Simba SC (Tanzania), Petro de Luanda (Angola), Stade Malien (Mali)