By Emmanuel Okogba
Rivers United head coach, Finidi George, has reflected on his team’s elimination from the CAF Champions League following their 1-4 defeat to Egyptian side Pyramids FC.
Speaking after the match, George admitted that while his players performed strongly in the first half, they struggled to maintain control after the break. “In the first half we did well. We controlled the game, scored our goal, and pressed higher to force them into long balls,” he said.
However, the coach noted that the second half exposed lapses in his team’s defensive decisions and intensity. “In the second half, where we were supposed to commit that tackle, we didn’t. They were faster, and the players were running so easily. We tried to contain them, but it was difficult,” George explained.
He acknowledged Pyramids’ quality, describing them as a “very good team” and highlighting their dominance in the final 45 minutes. “They were better, far better in the second half. That’s why they are defending champions,” he added.
George emphasized the importance of learning from the experience and strengthening the squad for future competitions. He pointed to the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) as the next focus, stressing that winning the domestic title would provide Rivers United with another opportunity to prepare for continental football.
“We have seen our lapses and we know. If we win the NPFL, we will have time to prepare and bring in a couple of players to strengthen the team,” he said.
Rivers United have managed just one point from a possible 15, a goalless draw with Zambian side, Power Dynamos on Matchday 3 and sit at the bottom of Group A.
They’ll conclude their campaign against Moroccan side, RS Berkane on Saturday.
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