Rivers United head coach, Finidi George, has admitted that recruitment will be crucial for the club’s future on the continental stage following another disappointing outing in the CAF Champions League.

 

The Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) side suffered a 1–0 defeat to Zambia’s Power Dynamos on Sunday in Uyo, a result that leaves them bottom of Group A and still searching for their first win in the competition.

 

Reflecting on the match, the former Nigeria international lamented his team’s slow start, insisting Rivers United failed to impose themselves early in a must-win encounter, allowing the visitors time to settle and organise.

 

“I feel we started the game slowly. The game that we wanted to win, we started slowly,” Finidi said.

“I think we were passing the ball too much at the back, and that gave them more time to organise properly.”

 

Power Dynamos struck five minutes after the restart through Kondwani Chiboni, whose goal proved decisive and secured the Zambian side’s first-ever CAF Champions League group-stage victory.

 

Finidi noted that Rivers United responded positively after conceding, creating several opportunities but failing to convert.

 

“I think in the second half after that goal, we came all out trying to see how we could get an equaliser. We created a lot of chances, but we couldn’t score,” he said.

“It was quite disappointing for us. I thought in the second half we had a couple of chances to score even two or three goals, but it didn’t happen.”

 

Despite the late pressure, Rivers United could not break down a disciplined Power Dynamos defence.

 

“That’s football; you just have to congratulate the opponent on how they defended and the lucky goal they scored. We conceded from just a pull-out. It’s not acceptable in football, but it was quite unlucky for us,” Finidi added.

 

Looking ahead to their remaining two group matches, Finidi stressed the need for a change in attitude and intensity, especially in the opening stages of games.

 

“In a game like this, you have to be very aggressive in the first 20 minutes, which I felt we were a bit passive,” he said.

 

Although qualification now appears unlikely, the Rivers United boss insists his team will continue to fight.

 

“We definitely want to get our first victory. We know we’re going to play against the top two teams in the last two games, but all is possible in football,” Finidi noted.

“Even though qualification is difficult, it’s quite possible. We want to show character and at least have a win in the last two games.”

 

Beyond the current campaign, Finidi acknowledged that the Champions League experience has exposed areas that need strengthening, particularly in squad depth and quality.

 

“We don’t have to change much, but if we find ourselves in the group stage next season, hopefully we have to recruit properly and get some additional players to add to what we have,” he said.

 

He explained that the tournament has been a learning curve for his players, many of whom are experiencing continental football for the first time.

 

“For the players we have now, it’s an experience. If you take one or two players out of this squad, none of these players have even played in the Confederation Cup,” Finidi stated.

 

Addressing the team’s struggles in front of goal, Finidi linked Rivers United’s continental difficulties to a wider domestic issue.

 

“It’s a general thing. In the league, the top scorers end up with maybe 10 goals. If you look at players playing 32 or 33 matches and scoring eight to 10 goals, that number is very little,” he said.

“It’s not about training. It’s about mindset and the conviction to score goals.”

 

He added that the players must continue to be encouraged despite the setbacks.

 

“These are the same players that we’ll use. If we condemn them at this point in time, the season will be affected,” Finidi concluded.

 

The defeat sees Power Dynamos move up to third in Group A as they prepare to host RS Berkane, while Rivers United remain anchored at the bottom of the standings.