Finidi George Reacts as Rivers United Suffer Late Collapse Against RS Berkane
Rivers United head coach Finidi George has voiced his disappointment following his side’s 2–1 home defeat to Moroccan giants RS Berkane in their CAF Champions League matchday two clash, TalkTalk Nigeria reports.
The match, played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, saw Rivers United take a deserved lead in the 37th minute after RS Berkane defender Mamadou Camara mistakenly turned the ball into his own net.
However, the visitors turned the game on its head late in the second half, with goals from Youness El Kaabi and Mounir Chouiar, snatching all three points and leaving Rivers United stunned on home soil.
Speaking after the match, Finidi admitted the loss was difficult to take:
“I have to say a draw wouldn’t have been a good result for us, but the loss is devastating. I think the overall performance of my players deserves more than what the outcome of the game looked like. It is quite unfortunate that we lost today,” he said.
OPINION: Rivers United Must Learn to Close Games — Talent Alone Is Not Enough
This match felt like a textbook example of how painful football can be when concentration slips at crucial moments. Rivers United were the better side for long spells, showing organization, energy, and confidence — yet football doesn’t reward dominance; it rewards decisiveness.
Finidi George is right to feel frustrated. His team played well enough to avoid defeat, but matches at this level punish every lapse. RS Berkane, one of Africa’s most experienced and tactically disciplined clubs, proved exactly that.
The positive? Rivers United showed quality, structure, and intent — signs that they can compete against the best on the continent.
The challenge? Finishing strong, staying mentally sharp, and protecting leads when it matters most.
If they take the lessons from this painful loss and respond with maturity, they still have every chance to bounce back in the competition. The CAF Champions League is a marathon, not a sprint — and Rivers United have the tools to run the distance.
