Rivers United technical adviser Finidi George has backed his players to build on their hard-earned point after the Pride of Rivers were held to a 1-1 draw by Nasarawa United in their NPFL Matchday 4 clash at the Lafia City Stadium on Sunday night.
Rivers United looked on course for their second consecutive league victory after taking the lead in the 66th minute.
Nasarawa United defender Harrison Ebah inadvertently turned the ball into his own net as Rivers United were rewarded for their pressure, putting Finidi’s side 1-0 ahead with less than 25 minutes remaining.
The hosts, however, refused to go down without a fight and continued pushing for an equaliser as the match entered its closing stages.
Their efforts paid off in the 84th minute when Musa Yakubu converted from the penalty spot to bring Nasarawa United level and set up a tense finish.
Also Read: NPFL: Nasarawa United Hold Rivers United to 1-1 Draw in Lafia
Despite surrendering their lead, Finidi was pleased with his team’s overall performance and felt returning to Port Harcourt with a point was a positive outcome from a difficult away fixture.
“Every game is difficult, even when playing at home this season. We have to find a way to get the much-needed points,” Finidi told reporters after the match.
“I think my boys did well, but towards the end of the game, they defended a little too deep, which resulted in the incident that led to the penalty.”
The Rivers United boss revealed that he had urged his players from the touchline to push higher up the pitch and avoid putting themselves under unnecessary pressure.
“I was shouting from the bench for them to come out a little bit, to come outside the box, so that situations like conceding a penalty would not occur,” he added.
Finidi also questioned the decision to award the penalty but accepted the referee’s call and urged his players to quickly turn their attention to the next fixture.
“Unfortunately, they got a penalty and scored. I think the penalty was questionable, but the referee said he saw it. We have to accept that, move on and think about the next match.”
Kun Khalifat FC Test Next
The draw leaves Rivers United fourth on the NPFL table with seven points from three matches, with the Port Harcourt club still having a game in hand.
Finidi’s side will now shift their attention to their next league assignment against Kun Khalifat FC as they look to return to winning ways and maintain their strong start to the campaign.
