“We know why we are here” — Finidi says, as he leads Rivers United into Champions League battle in Cairo

The Pride of Rivers; Nigeria’s lone survivors in all CAF inter-club competitions this season, arrived in Egypt carrying the weight of a nation and the hunger of a team determined to announce itself on Africa’s biggest club stage

Rivers United head coach Finidi George has delivered a calm but confident message ahead of his side’s blockbuster CAF Champions League Group A opener against defending champions Pyramids FC in Cairo.

The Pride of Rivers; Nigeria’s lone survivors in all CAF inter-club competitions this season, arrived in Egypt carrying the weight of a nation and the hunger of a team determined to announce itself on Africa’s biggest club stage.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Finidi made it clear his players are embracing the magnitude of the moment, not shrinking from it.

“We are looking forward to an interesting game with the defending champions,” he said. “Tomorrow (Saturday), I think the atmosphere is good. So, we are looking forward to that game tomorrow.”

A date with the defending Champions

The task before Rivers United is monumental. Pyramids FC, fresh off winning the CAF Champions League, CAF Super Cup and the maiden FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Club Championship—are Africa’s most in-form side.

Their squad is stacked with elite talent, even though they’ll miss stars like Ramadan Sobhi, Osama Galal and Mostafa Fathi.

But Finidi, himself a Champions League winner with Ajax, insists his team understands what such nights demand.

“Like I said earlier, they are a very good team. I know that football is always interesting if you know what you are doing,” he said.

“We know why we are here… we are up for the challenge. Come tomorrow, we are going to give our best here, to make sure we get a good result.”

Captain Emekayi: “We are just here to play football.”

Rivers United skipper Temple Emekayi kept things simple, making it clear the squad has arrived with clarity, not fear.

“We are just here to play football,” he said calmly, echoing a team mindset that mirrors focus over fanfare.

He later added: “Every game has its own tactics and outcomes. Yes, Pyramids might have very good players, but we also have ours. So, tomorrow we just wait for 90 minutes.”

Finidi: No predictions, No panic. Just Football

The former Super Eagles winger refused to get caught up in permutations about who progresses from the group, stressing that the Champions League demands patience and maturity.

“At this point in time, we are going to play the first matches. So, we don’t know what is going to happen. No team is looking at the next round,” Finidi explained.
“We take a game at a time, this is the Champions League in Africa. We hope to get the best football from every team.”

He continued:
“I think the teams that are playing the Champions League are the best teams in Africa. So, let’s hope we see good football, and when it comes for the next round, we will see what happens. At the moment, nobody knows who is going to the next round.”

A statement night awaits

Finidi’s tone is measured but ambitious. Rivers United are not in Cairo to admire Pyramids FC, they are there to compete, to test their mettle, to prove Nigeria’s badge still carries weight on the continent.

A daunting assignment awaits, but so does a gigantic opportunity, and as both coach and captain has said, the 90 minutes will speak.