Rivers United coach Finidi George has pointed fingers at a bad choice by one of his players for their 2-1 loss to Bendel Insurance. This defeat ended their unbeaten run in the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season.
The team from Port Harcourt faced their first league defeat on Sunday. Jonathan James scored a late goal for Bendel Insurance at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
Freeman Wuchirwe put the home team ahead just three minutes after the second half began. Chijioke Mbaoma then equalised for Rivers United in the 73rd minute.
But James found the net in the last minutes, giving all three points to Bendel Insurance and handing Finidi’s squad their first loss after nine matches without a defeat.
After the game, the former Super Eagles coach reflected on the result. He said a lack of focus and a poor decision in possession led to the late 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 explained.
He also admitted that his team did not defend well during that key moment. Still, he recognised the hard work of both teams.
“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.
Despite this loss, Rivers United kept their top spot on the league table with 17 points after 10 matches. They are tied with Rangers International and Nasarawa United.
This defeat puts pressure on the league leaders to respond, as the competition for the top positions heats up.
Finidi’s team will have a chance to bounce back quickly when they face defending champions Rangers International. This match will take place at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Sunday.
The game will be a tough challenge for Rivers United. Rangers are among the teams fighting for the top spots.
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