**Rivers United's Continental Hopes Crushed as Pyramids FC Clinch Group Top Spot** The Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo witnessed a crushing defeat for Rivers United, as Pyramids FC proved too strong, securing a 4-1 victory that sealed their group top spot in the CAF Champions League. This result marked the end of Rivers United's campaign, a disappointing conclusion to a tournament they had hoped would showcase their domestic authority on the continental stage. Rivers United's initial goal, scored by Stephen Manyo in the 33rd minute, hinted at a possible redemption narrative. The Nigerian side's determination and courage were evident, but Pyramids FC, the reigning champions, were unforgiving. They regrouped at halftime and came back stronger, dictating the pace of the game and exploiting Rivers United's defensive vulnerabilities. Pyramids FC's clinical finishing and tactical maturity proved too much for Rivers United, who struggled to cope with the shift in tempo. A handball in the penalty area gifted Pyramids a penalty, which Marwan Hamdi converted to seal the visitors' turnaround. Substitute Awda Al-Fakhoury and Nasser Maher added to the scoreline in the final minutes, further emphasizing the gulf in composure and experience between the two teams. This result confirmed Pyramids' dominance of Group A, securing them top spot with a game to spare. Rivers United, meanwhile, remain bottom of the group with just one point, their elimination now beyond doubt. The defeat serves as a harsh reminder of the challenges Nigerian teams face in the CAF Champions League, where the margins between success and disappointment are often fine. Elsewhere in the competition, teams like Stade Malien and Mamelodi Sundowns are facing similar challenges, with qualification hanging in the balance. While these results may be disappointing for Nigerian fans, they also provide an opportunity for Rivers United to regroup and reassess their strategy for future continental competitions. For Rivers United, the defeat to Pyramids FC is a wake-up call, highlighting the need for sustained investment in their squad and coaching staff. The team's domestic success is not yet translating to continental relevance, and it's essential they learn from this experience to regain their footing in African football.