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From Akanimo Kufre, uyo
Rivers United’s CAF Champions League campaign ended in heartbreak on Sunday as FC San Pedro of Côte d’Ivoire contended a late 2-2 draw at the Nest of Champions, Uyo, to advance on away-goals advantage. The result left thousands of home supporters disappointed after the Pride of Rivers fought back from two goals down.
Despite the painful exit, Rivers United chairman, Barrister Chris Green, praised the players for their spirited comeback, insisting that football remains unpredictable and that the team must look forward to brighter days.
“Rivers United put in their best. Football is like the proverbial biscuit, you don’t know where it’s going to break from. Yesterday it didn’t work out. The boys worked after coming from two goals down and ended up playing 2-2. We lost on away goals difference. We have to carry our chin up and look out for brighter days,” Green said.
The chairman’s comments came against the backdrop of coach Yemi’s concerns over Nigeria’s shortage of clinical strikers, a deficiency that has continued to frustrate many domestic coaches. But Green believes the solution goes beyond signing established players.
“At this level, what I think people do is get readymade materials, which doesn’t work well for me. Like you rightly said, as a coach, if you find a deficiency, you fix it. It’s either you find a readymade material or you groom one to be the person you want to be. Rome was not built in a day,” he stated.
For Green, Rivers United must develop players capable of meeting the pace, tactical demands and finishing standards of modern football, rather than relying solely on already-made stars. His position highlights the need for a stronger pathway from the club’s feeder system to the senior team.
Although the continental disappointment has ended one chapter of the season, Rivers United’s domestic campaign remains ahead. Green charged the players to fight back and restore the club’s pride, image and the expectations of its supporters.
“Everyone knows Rivers United is holding the No.1 position in football in Nigeria, so we just have to defend it and do their best,” he said, urging the team to maintain its status as one of Nigeria’s leading clubs.
The age difference between the younger FC San Pedro side and Rivers United’s more experienced squad also underlined the importance of building a sustainable team for the future. Green disclosed that a significant number of Rivers United players who featured in Sunday’s Champions League encounter came through the club’s feeder team.
The chairman’s emphasis on youth development comes as Nigerian clubs continue to search for the right balance between experienced signings and homegrown talent. For Rivers United, grooming quality players could provide a long-term answer to the demands of domestic and continental football.
Green also expressed appreciation to the football-loving people of Uyo, whose impressive turnout created a vibrant atmosphere at the Nest of Champions. He commended the supporters for backing Rivers United and acknowledged the contributions of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, and Paul Bassey, whom he described as a commissioner and friend.
On behalf of the Rivers State governor and the people of Rivers State, Green extended gratitude to all football stakeholders who supported the club during its Champions League campaign. With continental football now behind them, Rivers United must turn their attention to the domestic battlefield — where rebuilding, youth development and the restoration of pride will be tested.
