Rivers United Head Coach, Finidi George, has revealed that the Pride of Rivers’ ‘tactical shift’ in the second half of Sunday’s NPFL matchday 36 fixture gave his side a resounding 3-0 victory over Abia Warriors, Completesports.com reports.
Finidi: Second-Half Tactical Adjustment Turns The Tide
The Finidi George side went goal-crazy in the second half of a gritty contest, with Wasiu Falolu opening the floodgate of goals five minutes after the break.
Timothy Zachaaria doubled the home team’s advantage in the 72nd minute before Bello Babatunde put the icing on the cake with the third goal in the 89th minute.
Title Race Intensifies As Rivers United Stay In Hunt
The huge win keeps Rivers United in the title-chasing pack, standing second in the table with 61 points behind leaders, Rangers, who have amassed 62 points from 36 games.
Finidi Praises ‘Outstanding’ Display Despite Slow Start
The former Ajax Amsterdam winger, who described his players’ performance in the game as ‘outstanding’, admitted his side was a bit off-colour in the first half but disclosed that he had to alter his game plan going into the second half, hence the victory.
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“It was a good game, I would say. In the first half, we didn’t create much. We only had one glaring chance that we missed — a glaring header. There was another chance but not as clear-cut as the first,” Finidi began when he addressed the sporting media after the game.
“We couldn’t create much because they (Abia Warriors) were playing a low block and we were trying to stay, pass the ball around, but we didn’t go direct. But in the second half, I think we went more direct, used more direct balls and that created a lot of problems for them (Abia Warriors).
“And when we got the first goal, it motivated the boys to go for a second and after the second goal came, I knew it was all over. From there, we got the third goal. It was an outstanding performance from the boys, scoring three goals when we needed it, in the second half. We’re quite happy.”
Rivers United Eye Crucial Away Clash Against Wikki Tourists
Rivers United will travel to Wikki Tourists of Bauchi in Sunday’s matchday 37 fixture billed for the New Jos Stadium.
“We’ll continue from there because the remaining two games are going to be tough. We all started the season together, so we can’t pity anybody. Bayelsa United are gone (on relegation), so they have to be thinking about the NNL for next season, that’s the truth about it.
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“But we, on the other hand, will have to see how we can recover properly and go for that game against Wikki Tourists. The decider, I think, will be the last game of the season and Ikorodu City will play against Rangers while we’ll be playing against Katsina United. So, everything is possible, you know, till the last day.
“We’ll be going there (to Wikki Tourists) to win. Our away form is very good. We have to bring that away form against Wikki Tourists. If we can do that, we’ll win. I don’t see them beating us, you know, but, yeah, football being what it is, you never know what’s going to happen.
“But we’ll prepare properly because you know a lot is at stake. If I say a lot is at stake, you know what I’m talking about. We’ll go out there and give our best.”
By Sab Osuji
