Rivers United head coach Finidi George has called on the club to reinforce its playing squad following a disappointing outing in the CAF Champions League, which saw the Nigerian side eliminated from Group A after a crushing home loss to Egypt’s Pyramids FC.
The Port Harcourt-based club currently sit at the foot of the group standings, having managed just one point from five matches. Their campaign has been marked by four defeats, one draw, ten goals conceded, and only two goals scored.
Rivers United’s elimination was sealed after a 4–1 defeat to defending champions Pyramids at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Although Stephen Manu gave the hosts an early advantage, the Egyptian side took full control after the break, scoring four unanswered goals to underline their superiority.
Reflecting on the result, Finidi admitted that the difference in quality and intensity was evident, stressing that squad depth and experience must be improved if the club hopes to be more competitive on the continental stage.
He explained that success in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) would provide the platform and time needed to properly prepare for future African campaigns, including bringing in additional players to address identified weaknesses.
According to the former Super Eagles winger, the Champions League experience has been an important learning curve for his players, exposing them to a higher standard of football that demands greater tactical awareness, physical commitment, and squad strength.
Finidi rejected suggestions that Rivers United were unlucky, insisting that Pyramids fully deserved their victory, particularly based on their dominant second-half performance.
He noted that while the opening half was evenly contested, the Egyptian champions raised their level significantly after the interval, creating most of the clear chances and controlling the tempo of the game.
The coach highlighted a drop in defensive decisiveness and physical commitment after halftime as key reasons for the collapse, explaining that hesitation in tackles and slower reactions allowed Pyramids to exploit spaces with ease.
Finidi added that although his side initially pressed well and restricted their opponents, the intensity and speed of the second half proved too much to handle.
Ultimately, he concluded that experience at this level made the difference, acknowledging that Rivers United were beaten by a stronger and more composed side over the final 45 minutes.
Rivers United’s Champions League journey has included losses to Pyramids in Cairo, RS Berkane of Morocco, and Power Dynamos of Zambia. Their only positive result remains a scoreless draw away in Ndola. They will round off their group campaign with an away fixture against RS Berkane in Morocco, playing solely for pride.
Despite their struggles in Africa, Rivers United remain joint leaders of the NPFL table with four outstanding matches, leaving their domestic title ambitions firmly intact.
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