Rivers United stand-in coach, Yemi Olanrewaju, has attributed his side’s emphatic 4–1 defeat to Barau FC to fatigue, following the rescheduled Matchday 5 fixture played on Friday at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.
Head coach Finidi George was absent from the encounter due to bereavement, according to an official club statement, with Olanrewaju taking charge from the touchline.
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Speaking after the match, Olanrewaju insisted the scoreline did not reflect the overall balance of play, stressing that Rivers United dominated possession but paid the price for a demanding schedule.
“Conceding four goals doesn’t really show the true nature of the game. We controlled the match and had about 70 per cent possession, but the outcome wasn’t what we wanted. I think fatigue played a big role — the players looked tired,” Olanrewaju said.
He highlighted the congested fixture list and extensive travel, noting that the clash against Barau FC was the team’s seventh match in less than three weeks.
“It’s been a tough run with a lot of travelling. You go back to Port Harcourt, then make a two-day trip again. It’s not easy for the boys, but this is Rivers United — we’re built for tough moments. One or two games won’t go your way in a 38-game season.”
How it Happened
Starting with three changes to the starting XI, in their home win over Wikki Tourists, with Nsi Effimi, Seyi Ogunbayo and Okon Aniekeme replaced by Ogechukwu Ogbulu, Wasiu Falolu and Emmanuel Nnaji,
Rivers United began brightly.
They took the lead inside five minutes when Osimaga Duke unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box to beat Barau goalkeeper Yusuf Mohammed.
The visitors enjoyed early momentum, with Samson Obi and Wasiu Falolu both going close, but Barau FC grew into the contest and drew level in the 25th minute through Usman Maidubji’s penalty.
Just before half-time, Jimmy Ambrose put the hosts ahead, swinging the match firmly in Barau FC’s favour.
The second half proved decisive as substitute Kabir Abdullahi struck twice — in the 64th minute and again eight minutes later — to seal a comprehensive victory for the home side.
Despite the defeat, Rivers United’s first away loss of the season, the Pride of Rivers remain top of the NPFL standings with 33 points from 17 matches, two points clear of second-placed Nasarawa United.
The loss also ended a eight -game unbeaten away run and marked only their second defeat of the campaign, racking up five draws and two victories.
Barau FC, meanwhile, climbed to 16th position with 20 points, boosting their survival hopes.
Rivers United will look to quickly put the setback behind them when they return to league action on Monday, travelling to Ilorin to face Katsina United in a Matchday 18 encounter.
