Rivers United technical adviser, Finidi George, has emphasized the need for his team to tighten their defense following a disappointing 1-1 draw against Nasarawa United in Lafia. The Pride of Rivers conceded an early goal due to defensive lapses, a pattern that Finidi is eager to rectify.

The draw saw Rivers United slip to second place on the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) table with 33 points, a development that has sparked concern within the club’s camp.

Speaking to Rivers United Media, Finidi expressed mixed emotions about the game:

“I’m happy that we got one point, but at the same time, I’m not quite happy with the way we conceded. We have to do better sometimes,” the former Super Eagles winger remarked.

He pointed to a lack of concentration among his defenders as the root cause of the early goal, highlighting how similar issues had plagued the team in their recent match against Rangers.

“In some stages in a game, concentration needs to be on the high side, and this has caused us. It affected us in Lafia City again,” Finidi added.

A Wake-Up Call for Rivers United

The slip-up against Nasarawa United serves as a timely reminder for Rivers United, who are in contention for the league title. With the team now trailing the league leaders, it’s clear that defensive solidity will be critical to their success moving forward.

Opinion: Time to Regroup and Refocus

Rivers United’s performance highlights a recurring issue that could undermine their title ambitions if left unaddressed. While their attack has shown promise, consistent defensive lapses risk undoing their hard work.

Finidi George’s call for heightened focus and organization at the back is not just necessary but urgent. Teams aiming for championship glory cannot afford to drop points due to preventable errors.

Looking Ahead

As Rivers United prepare for their next fixture, all eyes will be on how the team responds to their defensive challenges. Fans will be hoping for a more cohesive performance, one that reflects the tactical discipline expected under a coach of Finidi George’s caliber.

With the league race heating up, every point counts, and Rivers United will need to ensure their defense holds firm in the crucial games ahead.