Rivers United returned to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) standings with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kano Pillars at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. While the result strengthened their title push, head coach Finidi George offered an honest assessment, admitting that nerves played a significant role in their performance, particularly in the second half.

The match’s decisive moment came early, as Aniekeme Okon’s first-half strike gave Rivers United the lead. However, the Pride of Rivers struggled to capitalize on their momentum, and the second half saw them shift to a more defensive stance.

“We are very happy for the victory. It was a difficult game,” Finidi said in his post-match interview. “Right from the first half, we did pretty well; we had one or two chances. In the second half, we didn’t create much. The team was a little bit nervous, trying to hold on to that lone goal instead of going for a second.”

Finidi acknowledged that the pressure to protect their lead impacted their fluidity and attacking intent, especially as Kano Pillars pressed in search of an equalizer. “Towards the end of the game, we pushed back defensively to see how we can conserve that one goal,” he added.

Despite the lack of dominance in the latter stages, Rivers United’s defensive resilience proved crucial. The victory extended their unbeaten run to four matches, comprising two wins and two draws, and brought their points tally to 29 from 15 games.

The result also saw Rivers United reclaim the league’s top spot, capitalizing on Remo Stars’ 2-1 loss to Niger Tornadoes. The Port Harcourt side now holds a three-point lead over their closest rivals, reinforcing their status as strong contenders for the NPFL title.

While the win is a morale boost, Finidi George is under no illusions about the challenges ahead. His team’s struggle to maintain control and create opportunities in the second half highlights areas for improvement, particularly as they face stiff competition in the title race.

Rivers United’s ability to adapt under pressure and secure vital points, however, remains a positive takeaway. The former Super Eagles coach can draw confidence from the team’s defensive organization and determination to grind out results, even when performances are less than convincing.

As the NPFL season progresses, Rivers United’s resilience and ability to manage pressure will be tested further. Finidi’s honesty about his team’s nerves reflects the high stakes of the title race and the psychological challenges that come with leading the league.

With rivals like Remo Stars and Niger Tornadoes also vying for the championship, the Pride of Rivers will need to maintain their focus, improve their consistency, and find ways to turn nervous performances into commanding ones.

Rivers United’s 1-0 win over Kano Pillars underscores the fine margins in football and the importance of grinding out results, even under challenging circumstances. For Finidi George, the result is a step in the right direction, but it also serves as a reminder of the work that lies ahead in securing the NPFL title.

The Pride of Rivers now march forward with momentum, resilience, and a clear objective: to maintain their lead at the summit and bring glory back to Port Harcourt.