Rivers United’s technical adviser, Finidi George, expressed disappointment after his side settled for a 1‑1 draw with Abia Warriors in a Nigerian Professional Football League match in Umuahia on Sunday. Maclyn Biokpo gave Rivers United the lead in the 87th minute, but Suraj Lawal equalised for Abia Warriors in added time.
Finidi attributed the result to the team’s inability to manage the game effectively in the closing stages, emphasizing that the problem was one of concentration rather than physical fitness. “We need to work on the mental strength of our players to enable them to manage games when they are almost over,” he said, noting a lack of mental fortitude that led to the conceding of the late goal.
He also suggested that the team’s approach may have been overly cautious, with the players perhaps settling for a draw instead of pushing for a win. “We came to Umuahia not to lose, and maybe the players were not sure if we could get a victory from this game,” Finidi explained.
The draw is a setback for Rivers United, who must regroup and reassess their strategy to achieve their league objectives. In a highly competitive NPFL, improving game management and mental toughness will be essential for the team to remain competitive. Their next match offers an opportunity to bounce back, learn from the mistakes, and make the necessary adjustments as the season continues.
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