Rivers United head coach Finidi George has stressed that he and his players are ready for the Group A opener against defending CAF Champions League winners Pyramids FC in Cairo.
Speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference, Finidi George emphasised that his players are ready to embrace the challenge and show Africa what they are capable of.
“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.”
Rivers United are Nigeria’s only remaining side in this season’s CAF inter-club competitions. The team arrives in Egypt carrying the hopes of a nation and a desire to announce themselves on the continent’s biggest stage.
Finidi, who lifted the UEFA Champions League with Ajax, acknowledged the quality of Pyramids FC, who recently won the CAF Champions League, the CAF Super Cup, and the first FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Club Championship.
Despite missing key players like Ramadan Sobhi, Osama Galal, and Mostafa Fathi, the Egyptian side remains one of Africa’s strongest teams.
“Like I said earlier, they are a very good team. I know that football is always interesting if you know what you are doing,” Finidi George 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.”
Rivers United captain Temple Emekayi added that the team is focused on the game rather than the stature of their opponents. “We are just here to play football,” he said. “Every game has its own tactics and outcomes. Yes, the Pyramids might have very good players, but we also have ours. So, tomorrow we just wait for 90 minutes.”
Finidi also warned against looking too far ahead in the competition, emphasising the importance of patience and focus in the Champions League.
“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,” he said. “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 concluded: “I think the teams that are playing the Champions League are the best in Africa. So, let’s hope we see good football, and when it comes to the next round, we will see what happens. At the moment, nobody knows who is going to the next round.”
Note that the Pyramids FC vs Rivers United Champions League clash is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. (Nigerian time), tonight, November 22.
