Zero wins , five defeats: Super Eagles legend Finidi’s winless Champions League exit

On Saturday night in Morocco, Rivers United saw their ambitious continental campaign collapse in brutal fashion, falling 3-0 to RS Berkane to officially close out a winless group-stage run in the CAF Champions League, CAFCL.

For the Super Eagles legend, Finidi, it was meant to be a statement return to Africa’s biggest stage and another chance to prove himself to Nigerians. Instead, it became a harsh lesson. 

Needing to salvage pride, the Pride of Rivers, Rivers United, were instead dismantled again with authority in North Africa.

Rivers failed to register a single shot on target across 90 minutes. The high intensity transitions overwhelmed them. 

Defensive lines were stretched, midfield battles were lost early on, and the final scoreline did not flatter their hosts, it showed a gulf in sharpness, execution, and class.

What was supposed to signal revival for him and Nigerian club football turned into a statistical nightmare in the group stage. Five losses, one point, no victories across six matches for theAjax legend and his United side. 

For a team that arrived with domestic credibility after making history, renewing belief in the former Super Eagles boss, the numbers tell a sobering story - one of tactical struggles, limited squad depth, and a visible gap between the NPFL and continental competitiveness.

The fallout from their exit has already begun. One fan described the campaign as “probably the worst of any Nigerian side in recent history - shambolic from start to finish.”

While one of Nigeria’s most recognisable voices in Sports, Mumuni Alao said it was an “eyesore,” arguing further that the performance indicated deeper structural issues within Nigerian club football before genuine continental competitiveness  can be achieved.

The criticism is loud and in so many ways, justified. 

With the Champions League chapter closed, Rivers United must now focus on the NPFL. They remain strong in the Football League, where they have scored 18 goals in 21 appearances, and have four games in hand. 

For Finidi, that is now the only available redemption arc. Winning the NPFL title would secure another shot at the Champions League, this time, perhaps, with the necessary reinforcements, the Pride of Rivers can do better.