Finidi George cut a visibly frustrated figure as he faced the media following Rivers United’s damaging 1-0 home defeat to Zambia’s Power Dynamos, Soccernet.ng reports.
It was a disappointing result that all but ended Rivers United's hopes of progressing from the CAF Champions League group stage.
The Pride of Rivers arrived at Sunday’s contest in Uyo knowing only a win would keep their qualification dream alive.
Instead, a single second-half strike from Kondwani Chiboni condemned them to a third defeat in four group matches and left them rooted to the bottom of Group A with just one point.
Speaking after the final whistle, Finidi was candid in his assessment of where the game slipped away, pointing first to his side’s sluggish start.
“I feel we started the game slowly. It was a game we wanted to win, but we were a bit passive, especially in the first half,” Finidi said.
“We passed the ball too much at the back and that gave them time to organise properly.”
Despite enjoying long spells of possession and territorial control, Rivers United struggled to convert dominance into clear chances before the break. That lack of urgency proved costly, as Power Dynamos grew in confidence and waited patiently for their moment.
The decisive blow arrived five minutes into the second half, when a rare defensive lapse allowed the visitors to snatch the lead, their only clear-cut opportunity of the match.
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Finidi unimpressed with Rivers United's late charge
Finidi revealed that his side’s response after conceding only deepened the sense of frustration.
“In the second half, after we conceded the goal, we came all out to look for an equaliser. We created a lot of chances but we couldn’t score. We had opportunities to score even two or three goals, but it didn’t happen. That was quite disappointing.”
Statistics buttressed Finidi's point. Rivers United dominated possession, completed hundreds of passes and fired 20 shots, yet once again failed to find the net. For Finidi, the issue runs deeper than a single match.
“That’s football. We have to congratulate the opponent for how they defended and the goal they scored. It’s quite unlucky for us, but we accept it.”
Reflecting on the wider campaign, the former Super Eagles winger pointed to a worrying lack of cutting edge, both in domestic competition and on the continental stage.
“One goal in four group games tells a story. In our league, top scorers sometimes finish the season with eight or ten goals after more than 30 matches. That’s very low, and when you come to the continent, you can’t expect something different,” he explained.
“Goal scoring is about mindset and conviction. It’s not just about training.”
Despite the bleak outlook, with group leaders Pyramids FC and RS Berkane pulling clear, Finidi stressed the importance of protecting confidence within the squad.
“We can’t condemn the players now because these are the same players we will use. If we do that, the season will become very difficult. We will continue to encourage them and try to improve.”
He also framed the experience as part of a longer learning curve.
“Most of these players have not even played in the CAF Confederation Cup before, so this is a learning process for them. If we find ourselves in this situation next season, with better recruitment and added experience, I believe the players will do better.”
While qualification is now remote, Finidi insists Rivers United will approach their remaining fixtures with pride.
“Qualification is now very difficult, almost impossible, but all is possible in football. We want to show character and try to get a win in the last two games.”
Despite their struggles on the continent, Rivers United currently sit on top of the Nigeria Professional Football League table.
Finidi's men boast 41 points from 21 games, one more than second-place Nasarawa United, who have played three more matches.
