NPFL: Finidi laments late Rivers United collapse, questions penalty in Nassarawa draw

Rivers United boss Finidi George has rued his side’s late defensive collapse after Nassarawa United fought back to secure a 1-1 draw in Lafia, with the former Super Eagles coach also questioning the penalty decision that sparked the hosts’ equaliser.

Rivers United appeared on course for a valuable away victory before Nassarawa United levelled in the 84th minute, punishing the visitors after they dropped too deep during the closing stages.

Finidi admitted his players made life difficult for themselves by retreating too far, despite his repeated instructions from the touchline for them to push higher and defend further away from their own penalty area.

“I think today (Sunday) my boys did well. I think the last ten minutes we defended a little bit too deep. And that was why you have those kind of situations,” Finidi told the media after the game.

The Rivers United manager revealed that he had been calling on his players to step out and prevent Nassarawa United from mounting sustained pressure around the box.

“You know, I was shouting from the bench that they should push. You know, come out a little bit, play outside the 18, so that situations like this will not occur,” he said.

“But unfortunately, they got it and they scored that goal.”

The late concession proved costly for Rivers United, who had to settle for a point when all three appeared within their grasp.

For the former Enyimba coach however, the manner of the equaliser was his only concern.

The former Nigeria international questioned the decision to award the hosts a penalty, although he acknowledged that there was little his team could do once the referee had made his call.

“My only concern was, yeah, it’s questionable, the penalty. But, the referee said he saw it, so we have to accept that,” Finidi said.

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Despite his reservations over the penalty and frustration with his side’s defensive approach in the final minutes, Finidi urged his players to quickly put the result behind them and turn their attention to their next assignment.

“We have to move on and think about the next match. But we’re happy with this one point,” he added.

The draw also underlined Finidi’s warning about the difficulty of the ongoing season, with the Rivers United boss insisting that every match requires his side to find a way to grind out maximum points.

“Every game is difficult this season. Even when we’re playing home matches, it’s all so difficult. But you have to find a way around to get the maximum three points.”

With Rivers United forced to share the spoils in Lafia after surrendering their lead late on, Finidi remains focused on the bigger picture as the season progresses.

“We’re just happy. We’ll see how far we can go this season,” he concluded.