Finidi George Reflects on Rivers United’s CAF Champions League Exit
Rivers United head coach, Finidi George, has opened up on his side’s disappointing exit from the CAF Champions League, following a heavy 4–1 defeat to Egyptian outfit Pyramids FC that confirmed their elimination from the competition.
Speaking after the match, Finidi admitted his team failed to sustain the intensity that defined their first-half performance, despite making a promising start to the encounter.
“In the first half we did well. We controlled the game, scored our goal, and pressed higher to force them into long balls,” the former Super Eagles winger said. “But after the break, we lost that control and they punished us.”
Rivers United went into the match needing a positive result to revive their slim qualification hopes, but defensive lapses and Pyramids FC’s superior game management in the second half proved decisive, as the Nigerian champions conceded three unanswered goals.
The defeat leaves Rivers United rooted at the bottom of Group A, having managed just one point from a possible 15. Their only positive result came on Matchday 3, a goalless draw against Zambian side Power Dynamos.
Despite the early exit, Finidi urged his players and the club’s management to see the campaign as a learning curve, stressing the need for better preparation and squad depth ahead of future continental outings.
“We have seen our lapses and we know where we need to improve,” he said. “If we win the NPFL, we will have time to prepare properly and bring in a couple of players to strengthen the team.”
With continental ambitions now on hold, Rivers United are expected to shift full focus to the Nigerian Professional Football League, where a strong domestic campaign could secure another chance at African competition next season.
The Port Harcourt-based side will wrap up their CAF Champions League campaign on Saturday with a dead-rubber fixture against Moroccan club RS Berkane, as they look to end the tournament on a positive note despite their elimination.
