NPFL: Finidi George eyes continental ticket for Rivers United
Rivers United coach, Finidi George, has set his sight on securing the CAF Champions League ticket after clinching a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rangers International on Wednesday. The former Super Eagles winger, now leading a largely rebuilt Rivers United squad, emphasized that the win underscored his side’s growth—but also served as a reminder of what […]
George Finidi
Rivers United coach, Finidi George, has set his sight on securing the CAF Champions League ticket after clinching a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rangers International on Wednesday.
The former Super Eagles winger, now leading a largely rebuilt Rivers United squad, emphasized that the win underscored his side’s growth—but also served as a reminder of what separated them from this season’s eventual champions, Remo Stars.
“I think it was a good game. A good game from my players. They knew what was at stake,” Finidi said after the match, visibly pleased with his side’s determination. “We’re happy, we’re happy.”
The game was decided in first-half stoppage time, with Samson Obi calmly finishing after a dominant opening spell. But beyond the result, Finidi’s post-match remarks offered a broader reflection on a campaign defined by both promise and near-misses.
Despite sitting second with 61 points and two games to play, Finidi openly acknowledged that the league title had slipped beyond their grasp—crediting Remo Stars for maintaining the kind of consistency his own side lacked at crucial junctures.
“We fought to see how we could win the league. But I think the consistency of Remo, you know, did it for them,” he said. “There were moments in the league that we weren’t consistent. That’s where it slipped away.”
He highlighted specific away performances that tilted the title race in Remo Stars’ favor:
“Remo went away and beat Akwa, won some away matches. We got a draw, we lost, they extended the gap. From that point, they were just managing the lead.”
“You have to give them credit. Even when we closed the gap to five points, they weren’t nervous. They kept playing. That’s what champions do.”
In many ways, Finidi’s calm and reflective tone captured the story of Rivers United’s season under his leadership—a campaign marked by transition, rebuilding, and resilience.
“It’s a fantastic season, you know. The players are all new, apart from two, the goalkeeper and the captain. We have to commend the boys for playing this way all through the season,” he said.