Rivers United’s technical manager Finidi George said his team found it difficult to settle into their rhythm during the opening period against G12 FC of Lagos, but he credited a sharper showing after the break for a 2-0 victory that secured qualification to the Round of 32 of the President Federation Cup.
Key takeaways
- Finidi George acknowledged Rivers United struggled to get going in the first half versus G12 FC.
- A stronger second-half display helped the Port Harcourt club earn a 2-0 win.
- The result guarantees Rivers United a spot in the President Federation Cup Round of 32.
- Finidi suggested his side initially underestimated the academy players before finding their footing.
- With the cup tie concluded, attention now turns to the Nigeria Premier Football League match against Katsina United this weekend.
Improved after the break earns cup progression
Rivers United have booked their place in the Round of 32 following a convincing 2-0 success over G12 FC at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. The win not only confirms their advancement in the competition, but also sets up what comes next, with Rangers International FC awaiting them next month.
Finidi said the decisive momentum arrived late in the second half, as two goals ensured the club’s progression. He also pointed to a slow start in terms of intensity and decision-making, explaining that his team took time to adjust after facing an academy side.
Finidi: Relaxation in first half, pressure in second
Speaking after the match, Finidi argued that the contest was not a poor performance overall, but rather a matter of how the game was managed. He highlighted that when teams play academy opposition, players sometimes ease off slightly, which he felt contributed to Rivers United’s lack of goals before the interval.
“It wasn’t a bad one. Sometimes when you play academy teams there is this tendency for players to relax a little,” Finidi said. “We saw that in the first half and we couldn’t score, but the players upped their game in the second half and applied more pressure.
“We got to the final third more often and dictated the pace. I’m happy we got the win.”
Focus shifts to Premier League fixture
Finidi added that the club’s focus will now move to their upcoming Nigeria Premier Football League encounter against Katsina United scheduled for this weekend.
