Rivers United head coach Finidi George has acknowledged that his side faces a tough challenge in the CAF Champions League Group A, where they will battle defending champions Pyramids, CAF Confederation Cup title holders RS Berkane, and Zambian champions Power Dynamos.

The Nigerian Professional Football League side will kick off their campaign against Pyramids before hosting RS Berkane in their second fixture.

Reacting to the draw, Finidi said his team welcomes the challenge and will be ready to compete against the continent’s elite.

“It’s a good draw — a difficult, difficult group — but if you want to compete in this tournament, at some stage you have to play the best,” said Finidi.

He added that the immediate focus remains on domestic competition before switching attention to continental preparations.

“We’ll prepare when the time comes. For now, we’ll just concentrate on our league games, and when it’s getting closer, we’ll try to prepare the boys mentally for what’s coming ahead,” he said.

Rivers United will be making their debut in the group stages of Africa’s top club competition.

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