Rivers United Football Club has adopted the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as its home ground for continental fixtures.
Rivers United will host San Pedro of Côte d’Ivoire in the second leg of their CAF Champions League first-round tie on Sunday, September 13, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
The club announced the decision during a courtesy visit by its management, led by Sole Administrator Barrister Christopher Green and General Manager Chief Okey Kpalukwu, to the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey.
Green said the club returned to Uyo because the stadium is currently the only venue in Nigeria with a natural grass pitch approved by CAF for international matches.
He described Uyo as Rivers United’s “second home” and appealed to football enthusiasts across Akwa Ibom State to turn out in large numbers and support the team.
Rivers United secured a 1-1 draw against San Pedro in the first leg in Côte d’Ivoire and will be seeking victory at home to advance to the next stage of the competition.
Green said the club was determined to go far in the Champions League and continue representing Nigeria strongly on the continent.
He also commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for maintaining the stadium to international standards and thanked Commissioner Bassey for his continued support and hospitality.
In his response, Bassey congratulated Rivers United on the away draw and urged the players and technical crew to remain focused and disciplined ahead of the decisive encounter.
He assured the visiting delegation that football fans in Akwa Ibom would respond to the club’s appeal by turning out in large numbers to cheer Rivers United to victory.
