Rivers United assistant coach Yemi Olanrewaju says the club will focus fully on the domestic campaign after their exit from the CAF Champions League.
The Pride of Rivers qualified for the 2026/2027 CAF Champions League after finishing second in the 2025/2026 NPFL season, alongside fellow Nigerian representatives Enugu Rangers.
Their continental campaign ended against FC San Pedro of Ivory Coast, with the tie finishing 3-3 on aggregate. Rivers United were eliminated on the away goals rule.
Olanrewaju said the club would use the experience gained in Africa as it targets a return to continental competition through the NPFL.
“At the start of last season, we had the highest points away,” Olanrewaju said.
“But when we commenced the continental engagements, with their attendant fixture congestion, things changed.
“Now that we’re no longer in the continent, hopefully, we’ll concentrate on the league and see how we can get the ticket back on the continental stage again.”
He was speaking on Wednesday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Omagwa, near Port Harcourt, after Rivers United defeated Warri Wolves 2-0 in a rescheduled EuroMatch-NPFL 2026/27 Matchday 3 fixture.
Victory in South-South derby
Abdulrasheed Shehu Dabai gave Rivers United the lead in the 22nd minute before Chinemerem Ugwueze doubled their advantage in the 75th minute.
The result secured all three points for Rivers United in the South-South derby and followed their disappointing departure from the CAF Champions League.
Olanrewaju said the demands of the continental schedule had affected the team’s domestic form last season, particularly after their strong start in away matches. With that additional schedule now removed, Rivers United will seek to build momentum in the league and secure another opportunity to compete in Africa.