Olarewaju Praises Rivers United’s Grit After Katsina United Draw, Eyes Bigger Test Against Rangers

Rivers United head coach, Yemi Olanrewaju, has commended his players for their resilience and performance following a 1–1 draw against Katsina United in their league encounter played in Ilorin on Monday.

Katsina United took the lead through Azeez Falolu before Rivers United responded with an equaliser from Stephen Manyo, ensuring both sides shared the spoils. Despite the result, Olanrewaju was convinced his team did enough to claim all three points.

The Rivers United boss admitted that a momentary lapse in concentration at the back cost his side, but insisted his players dominated large spells of the game despite fatigue from a congested fixture schedule.

“We’re the better side despite the tiredness from my players,” Olanrewaju said after the match.
“We squeezed them, just that mistake at the back which gave them a chance to score.
“It’s a game that we deserved the victory but considering how many games we have played in recent days, I will say we are happy with the result.”

The draw keeps Rivers United firmly at the top of the league table with 34 points, underlining their consistency and title credentials as the season progresses.

Attention now shifts to Port Harcourt, where Rivers United will host Rangers this weekend in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter between two traditional heavyweights of Nigerian football.

Opinion: Leaders Learn Even in Draws

Sometimes, a draw tells a stronger story than a win — and this appears to be one of those moments for Rivers United. Playing away, dealing with fatigue, and still controlling the rhythm of the game speaks volumes about the team’s depth and mentality. Olanrewaju’s honest assessment shows a coach who understands both the strengths and flaws of his side.

Defensive errors remain lessons to be learned, but the bigger picture is encouraging: Rivers United are still top, still composed, and still setting the pace. As they prepare to welcome Rangers, the draw against Katsina United could serve as a timely reminder that champions are not just defined by victories, but by how they respond to setbacks.

If Rivers United tighten up at the back and maintain their attacking intensity, the upcoming clash in Port Harcourt could further cement their status as serious title contenders — and perhaps turn “what might have been” into what will be.