Rivers United head coach Finidi George has expressed deep frustration after his team conceded yet another late goal, this time in a 1–1 draw away to Abia Warriors.
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A near repeat of the mental lapses that cost them two late goals against RS Berkane in the CAF Champions League.
Finidi, visibly disappointed after the final whistle at the Umuahia Township Stadium, said the recurring issue has nothing to do with fitness, tactics, or structure, but everything to do with mental concentration.
The former Super Eagles winger did not hide his concern as he addressed the team’s growing reputation for conceding in dying moments.
“I don’t know… it’s all about concentration,” he said.
“What can be done? You just have to keep working mentally. It’s not a physical thing if you look at it — it’s a mental thing about managing games.”
Finidi emphasized that once the players are on the pitch in the final minutes, the responsibility to control the game falls on them.
“At the point when the match is almost over, it’s not the coach that will manage that for you. We made our changes to fortify the midfield, but when you have a ball like that you defend it, kick it out, and prepare for the next phase.
It’s quite unfortunate the time that goal came.”
Another Late Heartbreak
Rivers United thought they had secured a hard-fought win when Maclyn Biokpo finished off a swift counter-attack in the 87th minute, converting Ubong Friday’s pinpoint cross.
But just as they did against RS Berkane, the Pride of Rivers faltered at the death. Deep into added time, Suraj Lawal was left unmarked in the six-yard box to head in the equaliser for Abia Warriors — a lapse that left Finidi shaking his head in disbelief.
Despite the disappointment, the manager acknowledged that earning a point away from home remains important.
“It’s a good one because we came here not to lose,” he said.
“At some point we were ahead — maybe the players didn’t even think we would be ahead. We’ll get them ready for the game against Plateau United, but it’s a sad one.”
The draw keeps Rivers United inside the NPFL top three, but Finidi insists the team must quickly correct their mental approach if they hope to stay competitive on all fronts.
Rivers United return home to prepare for a crucial fixture against Plateau United, with Finidi determined to stamp out the costly lapses that continue to haunt his side.
