Moroccan giants RS Berkane have touched down in Uyo ahead of their CAF Champions League Group A Matchday Two clash against Rivers United scheduled for Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. at 5 pm kick off time.
The team arrived on Wednesday evening and settled into their hotel without any complications, signaling full readiness for the crucial encounter.
Rivers United will be seeking a response after their disappointing 3–0 defeat to defending champions Pyramids FC in Cairo on Matchday One.
In contrast, RS Berkane began their group campaign on a high with a commanding 3–0 victory over Power Dynamos of Zambia, and will now aim to consolidate their strong start with a positive result in Uyo.
RS Berkane head coach Mouine Chaabani has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to secure a favorable outcome in Nigeria. Speaking before the squad’s departure from Morocco, he stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in the competition.
“We will travel to Nigeria to face Rivers United with the aim of returning with a positive result, and we hope that it will be an away victory,” Chaabani said.
“We know it won’t be an easy match, and our goal is to reach the furthest possible point in the CAF Champions League.”
Chaabani also provided brief updates on the team’s fitness situation. He confirmed that key players Murabit and Mehri experienced slight discomfort during their opening group match but insisted the issues are not serious.
“Murabit has some knee discomfort, but nothing alarming. Mehri’s situation is similar, and both will be assessed by the medical staff,” he added.
CAF has appointed Senegal’s Issa Sy as the center referee for the encounter, underscoring the high-profile nature of the fixture.
For Rivers United, Friday’s match carries significant weight. Anything short of victory could put their quarter-final ambitions at risk in what is widely regarded as the tournament’s “group of death.”
This is Rivers United’s first-ever appearance in the CAF Champions League group stage, and they aim to make history by becoming Nigeria’s next continental champions following Enyimba’s back-to-back triumphs in 2003 and 2004.
The stage is set in Uyo for a fierce contest, with both sides eyeing a result that could shape their trajectory in this year’s competition.
