Rivers United technical adviser Finidi George has expressed disappointment after his side suffered a 2-1 defeat to Bendel Insurance in Sunday’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 10 encounter in Benin City.
The defeat at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium ended Rivers United’s unbeaten start to the 2026/2027 season, with a late defensive error proving decisive.
Bendel Insurance took the lead three minutes into the second half through Freeman Wuchirwe, but Rivers United responded with Chijioke Mbaoma’s equaliser with 17 minutes remaining.
However, Jonathan James struck in stoppage time to secure all three points for the hosts and hand Rivers United their first league defeat of the campaign.
Reacting after the match, Finidi admitted that a poor decision in possession contributed to the decisive goal.
“I would say it is football. There are moments in the game when things don’t go your way. We were a bit carried away in that moment, which cost us. Our player tried to dribble instead of holding out for a corner kick,” Finidi said.
The former Super Eagles winger also acknowledged that his team failed to defend adequately in the closing stages, while recognising the efforts of both sides.
“We didn’t defend well, which led to their goal. I think both teams tried to win. At the end of the day, they got all three points,” he added.
Despite the setback, Rivers United remain top of the NPFL standings with 17 points, although the defeat gives their rivals an opportunity to close the gap.
Finidi’s side will now focus on their next fixture against defending champions Rangers International in Port Harcourt as they seek to return to winning ways.
