Head coach Finidi George has reacted to Rivers United F.C.’s slender defeat to Capturing Stars Sports activities Membership, admitting his facet had been punished for failing to cope with a late ball throughout their conflict on the Lekan Salami Stadium.
League leaders Rivers United suffered a dramatic 2–1 loss to Capturing Stars in a rescheduled Matchday 24 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Soccer League on Thursday evening in Ibadan.
The hosts took the lead within the thirty fourth minute when Sodiq Ibrahim headed residence from Ayobami Junior’s supply.
Rivers United fought again after the break and levelled within the 69th minute via Wasiu Falolu.
Nonetheless, Capturing Stars sealed victory in stoppage time as Qamar Adegoke struck within the 90+1st minute at hand the Oluyole Warriors all three factors and dent Rivers United’s title momentum.
Reacting after the match, Finidi mentioned the decisive second got here from his staff’s incapability to clear a late ball into the field.
“At that time the sport was drawn. That they had their free kick and sadly we couldn’t cope with it. That’s soccer. If we had handled the ball whereas it was within the air, that likelihood wouldn’t have fallen for them,” Finidi mentioned.
“Typically within the final a part of the sport you simply have to pay attention slightly bit extra and see how one can cope with these lengthy balls. We couldn’t cope with the final ball and we received punished.”
Title Race Nonetheless Open
Regardless of the setback, the previous Tremendous Eagles winger insisted his staff stays in a robust place within the title race, noting that Rivers United nonetheless maintain a slender lead on the prime of the desk.
“I can’t guarantee anyone something. All of us began the league along with different groups. If we’re two factors forward at this cut-off date, it’s primarily based on benefit,” he added.
“We nonetheless have an impressive match and about eight video games left. We are going to proceed working with the gamers and see the place we’re on the finish.”
Finidi additionally expressed confidence in his squad’s mentality, explaining that the gamers are skilled sufficient to get better rapidly from the defeat.
“They’re used to it. We’ve performed within the Champions League earlier than the place you lose and are available again to play within the league once more. We simply must encourage them and allow them to relaxation correctly earlier than the subsequent match.”
The defeat leaves Rivers United on 52 factors from 28 matches however nonetheless on the summit of the NPFL desk, whereas Capturing Stars transfer as much as sixth place with 44 factors after 29 video games, intensifying the race for continental spots and the league title.
