Rivers United head coach, Finidi George, has admitted his side were outclassed in the second half of their CAF Champions League Matchday Five encounter, following a 4–1 defeat to defending champions Pyramids FC of Egypt at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
READ ALSO: NPFL: Ikorodu City FC Mount Table Top as Matchday 25 Delivers Drama, Controversy
Speaking to the press after the game, Finidi described the result as painful but fair, pointing to lapses in concentration and decision-making after the break as the turning point.
“We did well in the first half. I think we controlled the game, scored our goal and didn’t give them much,” Finidi said. “We pressed a little bit higher and forced them to play long balls.”
However, the former Super Eagles winger admitted the intensity and quality of the visitors told after halftime.
“In the second half, there was indecision — where we were supposed to commit to tackles, we didn’t. They were faster, and players were running so easily. They came all out and we couldn’t contain them. This is another level of football.”
Pyramids FC produced a dominant display to claim a convincing 4–1 victory, effectively ending Rivers United’s hopes of a positive finish in the group.
While the Nigerian champions enjoyed 56 per cent possession, they struggled to convert control into cutting-edge chances, registering just two shots on target from 13 attempts.
In contrast, the Egyptian side were ruthless in attack, recording 19 shots, six on target, creating four big chances .
Their dominance was further reflected in key attacking metrics, including 27 touches in the Rivers United penalty area compared to 16 for the hosts, as well as seven corner kicks to Rivers United’s three.
“They were far better in the second half,” Finidi admitted. “All the chances fell for them. That’s football. We lost to a very good team, and that’s why they are defending champions.”
Looking ahead,
Finidi turned attention to the Nigeria Premier Football League, where Rivers United remain in strong contention at the top of the table. He believes the Champions League experience, though harsh, will be valuable going forward.
“If we win the NPFL and come back to this level next year, we will have time to prepare better and bring in a couple of players to strengthen the team,” he said.
“This is a learning process. The players have now seen a different level of football, and to match a team like this, we definitely have to step up.”
For Pyramids FC, the emphatic away victory further underlined their quality and reinforced their status as serious contenders in the competition, while Rivers United were left to reflect on a frustrating night against superior opposition.
