Rivers United technical adviser Finidi George says a costly lapse in concentration contributed to his side’s 2-1 defeat by Bendel Insurance in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The result at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City was Rivers United’s first league loss of the season.
Bendel Insurance took the lead three minutes after half-time when Freeman Wuchirwe found the net. Rivers United levelled with 17 minutes remaining through Chijioke Mbaoma, but the hosts claimed victory when Jonathan James scored in stoppage time.
Finidi reflects on decisive mistake
Finidi said his players failed to deal with a crucial moment properly, allowing Bendel Insurance to score the winning goal.
“I would say it is football. There are moments in the game when things don’t go your way. We were a bit carried away in that moment, which cost us. Our player tried to dribble instead of holding out for a corner kick,” Finidi said during his interaction with the media.
The former Nigeria manager also admitted that Rivers United did not defend well enough in the incident that led to Jonathan James’ late strike.
“We didn’t defend well, which led to their goal. I think both teams tried to win. At the end of the day, they got all three points,” he added.
Rivers United had recovered from falling behind against Bendel Insurance, but were unable to protect the point they appeared set to take from the match.
They will have the chance to respond in their next NPFL fixture, when they host defending champions Rangers International at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Sunday.