Rivers United head coach Finidi George has admitted that recruitment will be key for the club going forward after another difficult night in the CAF Champions League, following a 1-0 defeat to Zambia’s Power Dynamos in Uyo.

The loss on Sunday left the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) side rooted to the bottom of Group A, still searching for their first win in the competition, and prompted deep reflection from the former Nigeria international on performance, mindset, and squad depth.

CAF Champions League setback exposes Rivers United’s slow start

Finidi felt United failed to impose themselves early in a game they needed to win, allowing the visitors to settle and organise.

“I feel we started the game slowly. The game that we wanted to win, we started slowly.

I think we were passing the ball too much at the back, and that gave them more time to organise properly. I think in the second half after that goal, we came all out trying to see how we could get an equaliser. We created a lot of chances, but we couldn’t score.”

Kondwani Chiboni’s goal five minutes after the restart proved decisive, handing Power Dynamos their first-ever CAF Champions League group-stage victory.

Despite late pressure, the NPFL side could not find a breakthrough.

“It was quite disappointing for us. I thought in the second half we had a couple of chances to have scored even two goals or three, but it didn’t happen. That’s football; you just have to congratulate the opponent on how they defended and the lucky goal they scored.

We conceded from just a pull-out. It’s not acceptable in football, but it was quite unlucky for us,” Finidi said.

Finidi George highlights attitude, mindset, and recruitment needs

Looking ahead to the final two CAF Champions League matches, Finidi stressed the need for a stronger mentality from the opening whistle.

“We still have to continue and change our attitude, especially in the first half.

In a game like this you have to be very aggressive in the first 20 minutes, which I felt we were a bit passive.”

While qualification remains unlikely, Rivers United are not giving up.

“We definitely want to get our first victory as well. We know we’re going to play against the top two teams in the last two games, but all is possible in football. Even though qualification is difficult, it’s quite possible.

We want to show character and at least have a win in the last two games,” the United boss noted.

Finidi also pointed to long-term lessons from the campaign, particularly in squad building.

“We don’t have to change much. If we find ourselves in the group stage next season, hopefully we have to recruit properly.

Get some additional players to add up to what we have.”

He explained that the CAF Champions League has been a learning curve for his players.

“For the players that we have now, it’s an experience for them. If you take one or two players out of this squad, none of these players have even played in the Confederations Cup.

They will learn.”

Addressing Rivers United’s goal-scoring struggles, Finidi linked domestic issues to continental difficulties.

“It’s a general thing. In the league, the top scorers end up with maybe 10 goals. If you look at players playing 32-33 matches and scoring 8-10 goals, I think that number is very little.”

He added:

“It’s not about training. It’s about mindset and the conviction to score goals. We will try to work with what we have.”

Despite the disappointment, Finidi insisted encouragement remains vital.

“I think we have to encourage them because these are the same players that we’ll use. If we condemn them at this point in time, the season will be very difficult for everybody.”

Rivers United will next face holders Pyramids FC of Egypt, while Power Dynamos move up to third in Group A and prepare to host RS Berkane.

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Last Updated on February 2, 2026 10:47 am by footballrover