CAF Champions League: Rivers United Adopt Godswill Akpabio Stadium as Home Ground

Rivers United Football Club has formally adopted the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo as its home ground for continental fixtures and is calling on football lovers in Akwa Ibom State to pack the stands on Sunday.

The Pride of Rivers will host San Pedro of Côte d’Ivoire in the second leg of their CAF Champions League first-round tie on 13 September 2026 at the Uyo venue. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.

The announcement came during a courtesy visit by Rivers United’s management, led by Sole Administrator Barrister Christopher Green and General Manager Chief Okey Kpalukwu, to the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, in his office.

Green told the commissioner that the club is returning to Uyo because the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium remains the only venue with natural grass pitch in Nigeria currently approved by CAF for international matches. “We are back in Uyo for our continental matches and we deemed it fit to come and inform you that we are in town because Uyo is our second home,” he said.

Having secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the first leg in Côte d’Ivoire, Rivers United are determined to turn home advantage into qualification. 

Green emphasised that Rivers United continues to fly Nigeria’s flag in both the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup. Rivers United is representing Nigeria on the continent and we want to go as far as we can to ensure a Nigerian team makes it to the latter stages of this competition. We know that Akwa Ibom people love sports, especially football, and we sincerely appeal to all football lovers, fans and stakeholders to come out en masse and support Rivers United to victory on Sunday.”

He also thanked the Akwa Ibom State Government for keeping the stadium at international standard and expressed gratitude to Commissioner Bassey for his consistent support and hospitality.

Responding, Elder Paul Bassey congratulated the team on the away draw and urged the players and technical crew to stay focused and disciplined. He assured the delegation that Akwa Ibom fans would answer the call in large numbers and help inspire the side to victory.

The stage is set for a passionate afternoon of football in Uyo. Rivers United are counting on the familiar roar of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium and a strong local turnout to complete the job against San Pedro.