Gbenga Elegbeleye, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), has praised Rivers United following their qualification for the group stage of the 2025/2026 CAF Champions League.
Rivers United overturned a 1–0 first-leg defeat in Maputo, Mozambique, securing a 3–2 aggregate victory with goals from Wasiu Falolu, Maclyn Biokpo, and Timothy Zacharia. Their success has earned them a substantial $700,000 (₦1.03 billion) as an appearance fee.
As the only Nigerian club to reach the group stage of the 2025/2026 CAF interclub competitions, Rivers United stands out after the elimination of Kwara United and Abia Warriors from the CAF Confederation Cup, as well as Remo Stars from the CAF Champions League during the preliminary rounds.
Elegbeleye, who spoke to completesports.com yesterday, expressed pride in Rivers United’s achievement, which ensures Nigeria’s continued representation on the continental stage.
“It’s kudos to Rivers United. I’m happy and proud of their performance. At least, they have ensured that Nigeria’s name is not absent from the 2025/2026 CAF interclub competitions map,” Elegbeleye said.
He further noted that Rivers United’s qualification helps sustain the NPFL’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading domestic leagues. “It would have been disappointing if no Nigerian team made it to the group stage. Rivers United’s qualification reinforces the fact that the NPFL is one of the best leagues on the continent. Our league has consistently been represented in the group stages, reflecting its quality, value, and potential,” he added.
When asked about the failures of Remo Stars, Kwara United, and Abia Warriors to progress, Elegbeleye described it as unfortunate but maintained optimism that they would perform better in future continental competitions.
“No, no, no. It’s not a reflection of a poor league. We always want our teams to succeed, but sometimes, as the saying goes, wishes are not horses. We only hope that these teams work harder and seize the next opportunity they have to compete in the CAF interclub competitions,” he concluded.
QUOTE
“It would have been disappointing if no Nigerian team made it to the group stage. Rivers United’s qualification reinforces the fact that the NPFL is one of the best leagues on the continent. Our league has consistently been represented in the group stages, reflecting its quality, value, and potential.
— Elegbeleye
