The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced a new date for the second leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round tie between Rivers United of Nigeria and Black Bulls of Mozambique.
Originally fixed for Sunday, November 26, 2025, the decisive encounter will now take place a day earlier, on Saturday, November 25, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
While CAF did not provide specific reasons for the adjustment, sources within the competition’s organizing committee hinted that the change may be linked to broadcast scheduling and logistical alignment with other fixtures across the continent.
The fixture carries high stakes for Rivers United, who are determined to overturn a 1–0 deficit suffered in the first leg in Mozambique. The Port Harcourt-based club must secure victory by at least two goals to progress to the lucrative group stage of the competition, often referred to as the “money-spinning” phase due to its financial incentives and exposure.
Head coach Evans Ogenyi and his technical crew have reportedly intensified preparations, focusing on sharp attacking drills and defensive organization to ensure a strong performance at home. The team is also expected to receive a morale boost from its supporters, as thousands of fans are anticipated to fill the stands in Uyo.
Football analysts believe that the change in date might favor Rivers United, giving them an additional day to adjust their tactics and manage recovery sessions ahead of the crucial showdown.
The club’s captain, Nyima Nwagua, has already called on supporters to rally behind the team, assuring that the players are fully committed to securing qualification. “We are aware of what is at stake,” he said. “We lost narrowly in the first leg, but we have what it takes to come back stronger and advance.”
Rivers United remain Nigeria’s main hope in this year’s CAF Champions League after other domestic sides failed to make it past the preliminary rounds. A win in Uyo would restore confidence and reaffirm Nigeria’s presence on the continental football stage.
