Rivers United’s difficult CAF Champions League campaign suffered another major setback at the weekend, as the Nigerian side was handed a 4–1 defeat by Pyramids FC in their Group Stage Matchday Five encounter.
Reacting after the match, head coach Finidi George conceded that his team struggled to match the intensity and quality of the Egyptian champions, particularly in the second half.
Despite a promising opening period in which Rivers United took the lead and controlled proceedings, Finidi admitted his side was ultimately overwhelmed after the interval by a superior opponent.
“The first half we did well. We controlled the game, scored our goal, we didn’t give them much,” Finidi said.
“We pressed a little bit higher and forced them to kick the long ball.”
However, the former Super Eagles winger pointed to poor decision-making and physical shortcomings as key factors behind the collapse.
“In the second half, the decision-making cost us. When we were supposed to tackle, we didn’t do it. They were faster in the player running. We tried to see how we could contain them in the second half, but it was difficult for the players.”
Finidi described the encounter as a harsh lesson in the demands of elite continental football.
“This is another level of football where first half you think you have control over the game, second half they came all out and we couldn’t contain them. That’s football. We lost to a very good team where they had control, especially in the second half.
“This is another level of football and intensity, so I think that’s why they are the defending champions.”
He also admitted it was hard to explain the nature of the collapse, acknowledging Pyramids’ dominance after the break.
“It’s quite easy to say the game would have gone our way, but if you look at it, I think the second half was quite easy for them. They had the better play and all the chances fell for them.”
Group Situation
The defeat leaves Rivers United at the bottom of their group with just one point from five matches, having lost all their home games in the competition. With qualification already mathematically out of reach, the final group fixture will now be about restoring pride.
Rivers United will round off their CAF Champions League campaign against RS Berkane, hoping to end a disappointing continental outing on a more positive note.
