Rivers United is set to recruit top-quality African players to strengthen its squad ahead of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League campaign, as revealed by club chairman Barrister Chris Green in an exclusive interview with Completesports.com. The Pride of Rivers secured their continental qualification by finishing second in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), narrowly missing the title to Enugu Rangers on the final matchday of the season. Green emphasized that the club’s ambition extends beyond mere participation — they aim to challenge for the CAF Champions League title and make a lasting impact on the African football stage.
According to Green, the mass departure of experienced Nigerian players to European and Asian leagues has weakened domestic clubs and the national team’s performance in continental competitions. He argued that Nigeria must proactively scout and sign high-caliber players from neighboring African countries to remain competitive. “The only way we can make our presence felt in the continent is to comb for quality players from the continent since we cannot stop our players from going to Europe and Asian countries for greener pastures,” he stated. “We must scout for top quality players from our neighbouring countries.”
Green admitted that the current NPFL lacks the depth and quality needed to dominate Africa again. With players leaving for better opportunities abroad at an alarming rate, he stressed that urgent measures are needed to retain talent and improve the league’s standard. To achieve their goals, Rivers United plans to recruit at least 10 foreign nationals from Africa to bolster their existing squad. “For Rivers United to challenge for the CAF Champions League title, we need to recruit at the minimum, 10 foreign nationals from Africa to boost what we presently have,” he said.
The chairman also called on the Rivers State Government, which owns the club, to support the initiative by empowering the club to scout and sign players internationally. He believes that with government backing, Rivers United can become a dominant force both domestically and on the continental stage. Green added that the club will also prioritize young talents from its feeder teams, giving them a chance to compete for spots in the first team.
A major reorganization is expected for the upcoming season, with underperforming players likely to be replaced by younger, more capable ones. The club is awaiting the technical report from coaches to guide their decisions. “The era of just being in the continent for the sake of it is in the past. We have to challenge,” Green declared. His vision is clear: Rivers United is not just participating — they are aiming to conquer Africa.
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