Rivers United have arrived in Côte d’Ivoire with their sights firmly set on securing an advantage when they face FC San Pedro in the first leg of the CAF Champions League first preliminary round on Saturday.

The Nigerian champions left Abuja on Thursday, September 3, aboard an Air Côte d’Ivoire flight, travelling through Abidjan before making their way to San Pedro, where the Laurent Pokou Stadium will host the crucial encounter.

The match is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Ivorian time, corresponding to 5:00 p.m. in Nigeria, with Rivers United looking to begin their latest continental campaign on a positive note.

Finidi George's men can draw confidence from their recent experience on the African stage. The Port Harcourt outfit reached the CAF Champions League group stage last season and subsequently became the first Nigerian club in seven years to advance to the competition’s knockout phase.

That continental pedigree could prove crucial against a San Pedro side expected to make full use of home advantage. Jean Ariel Koffi is likely to spearhead the Ivorian attack, with Abi Niambe expected to provide creativity from midfield and Issouf Dosso offering additional threat on the wings.

Rivers United also have early-season momentum on their side after opening their 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League campaign with a victory. Abdulrasheed Dabai was among the scorers, while Wasiu Falolu also played an influential role in the impressive start.

With a place in the next round at stake, Rivers United will be hoping their experience and early season confidence can help them overcome the San Pedro challenge before the decisive return leg on home soil.