Finidi George has responded to the intense aftermath of Kwara United’s victory over Rivers United, offering a candid reflection on the season’s outcome.

Speaking after his team’s disappointing 3-1 defeat on Matchday 37 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), the coach of the Garden City side made it clear that his ambitions were never about clinching the league title, Footballrover reports.

“Of course, I said it when I signed for Rivers United that the aim is to get the continental ticket, and it’s all playing out. I didn’t say I was going to win the league,” Finidi George stated.

Despite the setback in Ilorin, the former Super Eagles boss believes the team has done enough to be proud of, especially considering the squad’s massive overhaul earlier in the season.

Rivers United’s away defeat sends a message

Kwara United’s victory over Rivers United was a masterclass in dominance and execution.

The Harmony Boys asserted control from the first whistle at the Main Bowl of the Rashidi Yekini, George Innih Stadium.

Their persistence saw them grab the lead just six minutes before halftime, when Issa Gatta calmly finished off a well-threaded pass from Akanni Akeem to make it 1-0.

Wasiu Alalade doubled the lead in the 59th minute, converting Junior Aimufua’s sharp cross with finesse.

Later, substitute Mohammed Alao orchestrated the play that allowed Alalade to complete his brace in the 81st minute, burying any hopes of a Rivers United comeback.

Although the Pride of Rivers managed to pull one back from the penalty spot, the damage had been done.

The loss not only exposed defensive lapses but also explains why Finidi George emphasised next season as a time for deeper reflection and improvement.

Finidi assesses Rivers United’s season goals

Looking ahead, Finidi George is still upbeat. With the Port Harcourt outfit maintaining second place and a continental ticket almost secured, the coach stressed the importance of the bigger picture.

“If you look at what we’ve done this season with a lot of new players, I think it’s commendable,” he said. “But I didn’t like the three goals we conceded here.”

The Rivers coach noted that all the necessary analysis would be reserved for next season to understand where things went wrong and how Remo Stars managed to take over.

He admitted that while his team lost focus, Remo Stars kept pushing and deserved commendation for their efforts.

Although he expressed contentment with where they ended the season, he also assured they would return stronger next season.

With one final match at home against Nasarawa United, Rivers United will aim to finish strong, while Kwara United—now 12th with 50 points—wraps up their season away at Katsina United.

“As it is now, with other results, we’ll go back and be happy about how the season went. It’s not a bad season, you know,” Finidi concluded.

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Last Updated on May 12, 2025 2:43 pm by Sir Kris