Rivers United head coach Finidi George has played down talk of a tactical overhaul after his side continued their recent scoring surge with a commanding victory in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The Pride of Rivers defeated Bendel Insurance 3–1 on matchday 29 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, securing back-to-back home wins with three goals scored in each match, Footballrover reports.

Finidi George explains Rivers United’s growing goal confidence

The result keeps the Garden City side firmly on top of the NPFL table as they prepare for a difficult run of away fixtures.

Speaking after the match, Finidi George admitted the game was always expected to be difficult, particularly against an Insurance side known for strong performances on the road.

“It’s a very good game for us. We knew Bendel Insurance had been very, very good away from home. We knew it was going to be tough, but we told the boys to keep pushing.

“In the first half, I think we had one or two chances to have scored. It didn’t happen. We tried to calm them down in the second half.

Let them continue keeping the ball, and definitely the chances will come. In the second half, I think the chances kept coming, and we kept scoring.”

The match remained goalless at the break before Rivers United found their rhythm in the second half.

Chijioke Mbaoma opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, heading home from Iyowuna Douglas’ corner.

Wisdom Samuel later doubled the lead with a clinical finish from another Douglas assist.

The Benin Gunners briefly threatened a late comeback after pulling one goal back in the 89th minute.

However, substitute Samson Obi quickly restored the two-goal cushion, tapping in a rebound after Seyi Oguntayo’s powerful effort struck the woodwork.

For Rivers United, the victory carried extra significance. The same attacking duo who scored in their previous 3–0 win over El Kanemi Warriors again delivered the goals.

Finidi insists nothing has changed despite Rivers United goal surge

Despite the sudden improvement in scoring, Finidi insists the coaching approach has remained the same throughout the season.

“I think the players believe that they can really score. For us as coaches, we have not changed our method of coaching; we do all our scoring drills.

It has not worked for us till the last match. We’re quite happy that we’re having the chances and we’re scoring.

Nothing has changed. The work ethic is the same. It’s just that now we’re much luckier and scoring goals. That makes a difference.”

The United boss believes belief and persistence are now translating into goals after weeks of narrow 1–0 victories earlier in the campaign.

While pleased with the result, the former Super Eagles coach also revealed he briefly lost his temper during a tense period late in the game as Insurance increased the pressure.

“I felt at one point we were a little bit sloppy. Then the pressure was coming. I felt at that point we shouldn’t build, trying to build when there is pressure. We tried to make that correction, and they kept doing it.

I was angry, and that led to that build-up towards their goal. It was like we were inviting them to pile pressure on us, which I didn’t like. So I was angry with some of the players, but that’s a normal thing.

We move on. It’s part of the stuff you have in the field of play, and after the game we talk in the dressing room, and everything is sorted.”

Even with the late scare, the win ensured Rivers United collected another important three points at home.

“It’s a happy day for us, but it’s just a match. We’ll continue to take a game at a time. Now we’re going away from home. We’re going to play four matches, so we’ll see what happens.”

The Port Harcourt side now turns attention to a demanding schedule on the road, beginning with trips to Shooting Stars and Ikorodu City as they aim to maintain their position at the top of the NPFL standings.

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Last Updated on March 10, 2026 3:30 pm by footballrover