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From Akanimo Kufre, Uyo
The excitement is building in Uyo as football fans prepare for a continental showdown, with Rivers United Football Club offering replica jerseys to early supporters ahead of Sunday’s CAF Champions League clash against FC San Pedro of Côte d’Ivoire. The gesture, confirmed by the club’s chairman, Okechukwu Kpalukwu, is designed to attract a larger crowd and create a vibrant atmosphere for the Nigerian side at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Kpalukwu confirmed that over 50 replica jerseys would be available for fans who arrive early to cheer Rivers United to victory. “We have 50 replica for the first 50 fans to arrive the stadium to watch Rivers United tomorrow,” he said. “It can be more than 50. We have more that we can get from the players and my store.” The offer has added extra excitement to a match already generating strong interest among football lovers in Uyo.
Beyond the jerseys and the excitement in the stands, Rivers United have a bigger mission — to secure victory, gather valuable CAF points and help strengthen Nigeria’s position in continental football. “We also need to win to build point with CAF as well as increase Nigeria’s slot,” Kpalukwu added, underlining the importance of the encounter beyond the immediate qualification battle.
The growing support in Uyo reflects a change in how some fans now see Rivers United. The club may be known as the ‘Pride of Rivers’, but ahead of Sunday’s clash, supporters are proudly embracing them as the ‘Pride of Nigeria’. Uyo-obong, a regular Akwa United fan, is among those eager to turn up early and back the Nigerian representatives. “If I have jersey or not I’m going early to witness the kick-off and cheer Rivers United to victory on Sunday,” he said.
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Rivers United also have a crucial advantage heading into the second leg: the first-leg result. The Nigerian side secured a valuable 1-1 draw against FC San Pedro in Côte d’Ivoire, ensuring that the tie remains level on aggregate and leaving everything to play for in Uyo. The result gives Rivers United the confidence of having avoided defeat away from home while preparing for a decisive encounter before their supporters.
Playing on home soil provides another major boost for the Pride of Rivers. With the backing of passionate Nigerian fans, Rivers United will look to turn the energy from the stands into a strong performance on the pitch. The familiarity of the stadium and the support of the home crowd could prove important as the team seeks to overcome San Pedro and progress in the competition.
Under technical manager Finidi George, Rivers United will be expected to approach the match with discipline, determination and attacking intent. The team’s experience in recent CAF competitions is another advantage as they prepare for a high-pressure second leg. However, the 1-1 first-leg scoreline means the Nigerian side must remain focused, as San Pedro will also arrive with hopes of securing qualification.
For Uyo fans, Sunday’s encounter promises more than just another football match. It is an opportunity to support a Nigerian club fighting for continental glory, with the added excitement of replica jerseys for early arrivals. Rivers United will face FC San Pedro on Sunday, September 13, 2026, by 4pm local time at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, with the aggregate score tied at 1-1 after the first leg. The Pride of Nigeria will be counting on the fans to make the difference.
