Nigeria, Nov. 23 -- Rivers United's long-awaited return to the CAF Champions League group stage began with a harsh reality check, as the Nigerian contenders fell 3-0 to defending champions Pyramids FC at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo late Saturday night.

The Port Harcourt side arrived in Egypt with optimism and ambition, marking their first Champions League group-stage appearance in years and carrying the weight of being Nigeria's lone survivors in CAF competition this season.

But against a Pyramids FC outfit rapidly establishing itself as one of Africa's new superpowers, the Pride of Rivers were handed a stern reminder of the margins at this level.

Rivers United began the match with admirable discipline. Compact. Organised. Patient. Th...