The air of optimism that once surrounded Finidi George’s appointment at Rivers United has evaporated, replaced by a toxic atmosphere of resentment and calls for his immediate dismissal. What was meant to be a continental resurgence for the “Pride of Rivers” has instead devolved into a statistical nightmare, culminating in a humilating 1-0 home defeat to Zambia’s Power Dynamos on Sunday.
The result leaves the Port Harcourt-based side anchored to the bottom of Group A, having secured a dismal one point from a possible twelve—a tally that all but extinguishes their dreams of CAF Champions League knockout football.
The optics at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium were as baffling as they were frustrating for the home faithful. Rivers United controlled a staggering 71% of possession and registered 20 attempts on goal. However, possession proved to be a hollow metric.
The decisive blow arrived in the 50th minute when Kondwani Chiboni capitalized on Power Dynamos’ solitary clear-cut opportunity, delivering a sucker punch that exposed the tactical fragility of Finidi’s setup. Despite the bombardment, the Zambian defense held firm, leaving the Nigerian side looking toothless and ideas-starved in the final third.
As the final whistle blew, the battle shifted from the pitch to the digital arena. Social media platforms—specifically X (formerly Twitter)—ignited with vitriol, as supporters combined their recent frustrations with lingering resentment over Finidi’s underwhelming tenure with the national team.
For many, this latest failure was a bridge too far. One supporter, lamenting a massive financial loss on a betting ticket, voiced a sentiment that went viral:
“Please sack that your us*eless coach. He cost Nigeria the world cup and still cost me over half a million Naira today.”
The recurring theme among the “Pride of Rivers” fanbase is one of disbelief. How a coach who led Enyimba to domestic silverware could oversee such a precipitous decline on the continent remains a point of heated debate.
Finidi George’s reputation continues to be haunted by his short-lived and controversial stint as the Super Eagles head coach. Fans have not forgotten nor forgiven the precarious position Nigeria occupies in World Cup qualifying—a failure many now see mirrored in Rivers United’s continental collapse.
With daunting fixtures against Egyptian giants Pyramids FC and Morocco’s RS Berkane on the horizon, the mathematical probability of advancement is virtually non-existent. For a club with high-octane continental ambitions, the current trajectory is untenable.
The question now looming over the Rivers United boardroom is no longer if the “honeymoon” is over, but whether they can afford to keep a man whose presence has become a lightning rod for such intense public fury.
