Julius OkorieRivers United Coach, Finidi George, says he has delivered his promise to the club finishing second and earning continental ticket.
The former Super Eagles coach made the submission after a 3-0 loss to Kwara United in Game Week 37 tie at the Kwara Sports Complex Ilorin on Sunday.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelFinidi who took over Rivers United shortly after dumping Super Eagles job under controversial circumstances last year, garnered 61 points in 37 matches to sit second on the log with Champions League ticket imminent in the kitty for his efforts.
The former international noted that his promise on signing for the Port Harcourt based side was to earn continental ticket and not win the league.
“Of course, I mentioned when I signed up for Rivers United that we aim to secure a continental ticket, and it appears to be on track,” he stated. “I wasn’t overly focused on winning the league this season. Our primary target has always been to compete on a continental level, and it looks like we’ll achieve that,” he enthused.
It is however not yet uhuru for Finidi and his boys as they will have to wait until May 25, when they will play their last league game of the season against Nasarawa United , to confirm whether they will play in the CAF Champions League or Confederation Cup.
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With Abia Warriors sitting third on the log, with 60 points in 37 matches, Rivers United must win their game against Nasarawa United if they are bent on competing in the Champions League.
Should Abia Warriors who visit Ikorodu city in their last game spring a surprise with a win and Rivers United lose their last match, they will edge Rivers United out of second place, meaning they will compete in the Confederation Cup.
Finidi is nonetheless already strategizing for next season while reflecting on the current campaign. “We’ll take the time to evaluate how the season unfolded,” he said.
“It’s been a respectable season based on our performances, and these reflections will be vital as we prepare for the next one. We need to analyze where we may have faltered and recognize where Remo excelled; they deserve commendation for their success.
“Although we’re content with how we’re concluding this season, our focus will be on returning stronger and more prepared for the challenges ahead.”
Finidi George, who previously led Enyimba to their ninth NPFL title in 2023, joined Rivers United at the start of the season after a brief tenure as the head coach of the Super Eagles.
Under his guidance, the 2022 champions have recorded 17 victories out of 37 matches, alongside 10 draws and 10 losses.
League winners Remo Stars despite having the title in the kitty still went goal crazy against Ikorodu City last Sunday with a 4-1 bashing of the visitors at the Remo Stadium, Ikenne.
The league winners did not only win in terms of goals at the occasion but also dominated the match to the ratio of 60 to 40%.
Last season champions, Rangers International, were equally merciless in their encounter against visiting Katsina United ensuring a 4-0 win in front of their fans in Enugu despite failing to finish in the top four this season.
Only Niger Tornadoes earned an away win following their 2-1 win over Sunshine Stars in Akure. All the remaining nine matches played in the 20-team league ended with home teams winning.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
