Finidi George: Rivers United Must Improve in Front of Goal

Rivers United coach Finidi George has admitted his team must be sharper in attack despite progressing to the next round of the CAF Champions League.

The Pride of Rivers edged past Congo’s FC Les Aigles 1-0 on aggregate, thanks to Stephen Manyo’s first-half stoppage-time header in Port Harcourt. The result booked them a place in the second preliminary round.

Speaking after the match, Finidi said he was pleased with the win but not fully satisfied with the performance.

“We are quite happy with the victory. It wasn’t an easy one but any day, any time I will take that one-nil victory. We are looking forward to our next opponent. That’s the most important thing,” he said.

The former Super Eagles winger noted that his players looked nervous and wasted good chances.

“In the first half, we had a chance the striker normally would have taken. That would have given us some relaxation. We saw a lot of mistakes from players, they were a little bit nervous. That urge to win can make you nervous,” he explained.

Rivers United created more openings in the second half but failed to add to their lead. Finidi said that finishing remains his team’s biggest concern.

“We had a couple of chances to score. It didn’t happen, and at that moment you had to hold on to what you have. It wasn’t Rivers at 100 percent. A lot of players are new in this tournament, but they will get better,” he said.

Finidi also highlighted the need for his strikers to be more decisive.

“We will work on that, but it’s the players’ ability to put the ball behind the net. You can see today where players should shoot, he wants to control in the six-yard box. We had a one-on-one situation where he wanted to chip the keeper. We will work on that and get better,” he said.

Rivers United, who have scored only four goals in six matches this season, will now face Associação Black Bulls of Mozambique in the final qualifying round. The first leg will be played away between 17–19 October, with the return leg set for 24 October in Uyo.

Before that, the Port Harcourt side will return to Nigeria Premier Football League action against Niger Tornadoes on 1 October, before travelling to face Enyimba on 5 October.