Rivers United manager Finidi George expressed disappointment with his team's late defensive collapse in their 1-1 draw against Nassarawa United in Lafia. The visitors appeared on course for a valuable away victory before Nassarawa United levelled in the 84th minute. Finidi admitted that his players made life difficult for themselves by retreating too far, despite his repeated instructions to push higher and defend further away from their own penalty area.
Finidi revealed that he had been calling on his players to step out and prevent Nassarawa United from mounting sustained pressure around the box. He was shouting from the bench for them to push and play outside the 18-yard box to prevent situations like the equaliser. However, his players failed to heed his instructions, leading to the hosts' equaliser. The late concession proved costly for Rivers United, who had to settle for a point when all three appeared within their grasp.
The former Super Eagles coach questioned the decision to award the hosts a penalty, which sparked the equaliser. Finidi acknowledged that there was little his team could do once the referee had made his call. He stated that the penalty was questionable but accepted the referee's decision. The incident left Finidi frustrated, but he urged his players to quickly put the result behind them and turn their attention to their next assignment.
Finidi expressed satisfaction with the point earned, despite the manner of the draw. He emphasised that every match in the ongoing season requires his side to find a way to grind out maximum points. The Rivers United boss warned that even home matches are difficult, and his team must find a way to secure wins. Finidi's side has been working hard to secure victories, and he remains focused on the bigger picture as the season progresses.
The draw against Nassarawa United underlined the challenges facing Rivers United in the NPFL. Finidi's side has to be proactive and adaptable to secure victories. The former Enyimba coach stressed that his team must learn to manage games effectively, especially when leading, to avoid conceding late goals. He will work on improving his team's defensive approach in the coming matches.
Finidi's comments after the game highlighted his concerns about the team's defensive strategy. He admitted that his players did well but made a crucial mistake in the final minutes. The Rivers United manager will review the game footage to identify areas for improvement. He will work with his team to develop a more effective defensive approach to secure wins in the coming matches.
The 1-1 draw against Nassarawa United has left Rivers United to regroup and refocus ahead of their next match. Finidi urged his players to move on from the result and think about the next assignment. The Rivers United boss remains optimistic about his team's chances this season, stating that they will see how far they can go. The draw has given his side a point to build on, and they will look to improve their performance in the coming matches.
Key points
- Finidi George questioned the penalty decision that led to Nassarawa United's equaliser.
- Rivers United's late defensive collapse cost them a potential win against Nassarawa United.
- Finidi George emphasised the need for his team to find a way to grind out maximum points in every match this season.
