Rivers United’s assistant coach, Yemi Olanrewaju, has linked his team’s recent difficulties in the Nigeria Premier Football League to the challenges of competing on multiple fronts, following their 1-0 loss to Niger Tornadoes in a rescheduled matchday 26 encounter in Minna.
Terdoo Shimagande netted the crucial goal in the 67th minute at the Bako Kontagora Stadium, resulting in Rivers United suffering their third consecutive away defeat and significantly impacting their title aspirations at a pivotal moment in the season.
This outcome leaves the Port Harcourt club barely holding onto the top position by just one point, with only eight matches left, as the pressure intensifies in an increasingly competitive title race.
In the absence of technical adviser Finidi George, Olanrewaju addressed the media after the match, highlighting the cumulative effects of their previous CAF Champions League campaign as a significant reason for their decline in performance.
”However, it’s one of those situations; I believe we are bearing the consequences of competing on the continent. The number of games has accumulated, and everyone is striving for something,” he remarked
Rivers United have participated in more matches than any other team in the league this season, a result of postponed games during their continental commitments, and the pressure of a congested schedule has become increasingly apparent in recent weeks.
They will now focus on an important match against Nasarawa United on Monday, where a favorable outcome will be crucial for rekindling their pursuit of the league title.
With fatigue and pressure escalating, Rivers United confront a critical juncture in their season as they strive to manage the repercussions of their continental campaign alongside the demands of achieving domestic success.
Rivers United blame CAF Champions League for slump
