Nigeria, Nov. 4 -- For the first time in seven years, a Nigerian club will contest the CAF Champions League group stage, and Rivers United manager Finidi George says his side is ready to test themselves against Africa's elite.

The Pride of Rivers were placed in Group A, a brutal bracket featuring defending CAF Champions League winners Pyramids FC (Egypt), CAF Confederation Cup champions RS Berkane (Morocco), and Zambian giants Power Dynamos FC; a lineup stacked with pedigree, experience and technical quality.

It is a return to the deep end of continental football for Nigeria after years of early exits, administrative gridlocks, and uneven investment compared to North African powerhouses.

Facing questions after the draw was unveiled, Fi...