Rivers United captain Stephen Manyo has issued a passionate call to arms ahead of his side's CAF Champions League first preliminary round second-leg home tie against San Pedro of Côte d'Ivoire.

Finidi George's men will welcome the Ivorian club to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Sunday. The two sides are locked level after sharing a 1-1 draw in the first leg last weekend, meaning everything remains to play for.

A platform to seize

Manyo reserved particular words for the younger members of the squad, urging them to treat the occasion as a career-defining opportunity rather than just another fixture.

"I had to talk to the players. This is a big moment, a big opportunity for us all, because we have younger players who want to grow and play on bigger stages, not only in Africa but also in top football in Europe. So, I've tried to talk to them," Manyo said ahead of the match.

"If you really want to play football on the biggest stage, this is the biggest platform you have in Africa. So, you have to step up as a person. You don't really need me to push you that much for you to play."

No excuses, no distractions

The Rivers United skipper also delivered a sharp warning against complacency, reminding his teammates of the personal stakes involved in a tie of this magnitude.

"You have to play for yourself first. Play for your family, because you have family at home looking up to you. So, you have to push yourself as a person. Whatever distractions you are having, you have to keep them aside and focus, because this is your career. If you don't succeed, there are many people waiting for you to laugh at you. So, this is the biggest moment for you."

Manyo made clear he believes the squad possesses the quality to progress — but that talent alone will not be enough on Sunday evening.

"They have the qualities; it's just the willingness to do it. If they are willing to do it, I believe they will achieve great things," he said. "You don't have to let yourself down. You don't have to let the team down. So, you have to push yourself, because this is your career and you must make it."

A place in the CAF Champions League next round is at stake, with the winner advancing and the loser's continental ambitions ending for another season.