Head coach Finidi George has expressed delight after Rivers United FC scored three goals in a single league match for the first time this season, following their emphatic 3–0 victory over Katsina United FC in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
The Pride of Rivers delivered a dominant performance in the rescheduled Matchday 28 fixture played in Port Harcourt, with Wisdom Samuel netting a brace and Chijioke Mbaoma converting a second-half penalty to seal all three points.
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Speaking after the match, Finidi admitted the result marked a significant psychological breakthrough for his side, who had previously struggled to score more than once in league games.
“Comprehensively, this is the first time this season we’ve scored three goals, and I honestly can’t believe it,” Finidi said.
“We created chances, scored early, and that early goal gave us the energy to push for more. Normally, we score late and then struggle to defend, but today we broke that pattern.”
The former Super Eagles winger praised his players for maintaining intensity, especially after the interval, and highlighted the impact of his substitutions.
“I told the boys to continue and keep the intensity going.
The players we introduced made a difference, especially Yohuna. He brought freshness and clarity to the midfield. This is just his second game, and I hope he continues this way,” he added.
Finidi also addressed concerns over Steve Emmanuel, who appeared to pick up an injury late in the first half.
“He’s a very important player for us. When I spoke to him, he said he could continue, which was a relief. It looks like a groin issue, so we’ll assess him properly and see how we manage him ahead of the weekend,” the coach explained.
Reflecting on the attacking display, Finidi noted that while Rivers United scored three goals, they could have had more, urging his players to improve their efficiency in front of goal.
“Before now, there was doubt about whether we could score more than one goal. Scoring three today should motivate the players to believe. Goals can come from anywhere — wingers, midfielders, even defenders. That belief is important as we move forward.”
The coach also reserved special praise for striker Chijioke Mbaoma, who ended his goal drought with a well-taken penalty.
“For me, it’s about winning. Even if we win 1–0 every week, I’ll take it. But Chijioke has been working very hard. Apart from the goal, he had a good game, and this should motivate him to keep going.”
The victory lifted Rivers United to the top of the NPFL table on 49 points from 26 matches, two points clear of Rangers International with games in hand, as the title race enters its decisive phase.
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