Finidi George Laments Late Lapse as Rivers United Drop Points Against Abia Warriors

Rivers United head coach, Finidi George, has voiced his frustration after his team surrendered a late lead in their 1-1 draw with Abia Warriors on Sunday in Umuahia.

The Pride of Rivers thought they had snatched all three points when Maclyn Biokpo found the net in the 87th minute. But a lapse in concentration allowed Suraj Lawal to level the score deep into stoppage time, leaving Rivers United with only one point to show for their effort.

Speaking to the club’s media team after the game, Finidi did not mince words about what went wrong.

“It’s just concentration. We need to get the players stronger mentally to be able to manage games when the match is almost over,” he said.
“It’s not a physical thing about managing games, it’s just unfortunate how the goal was conceded.”

The former Super Eagles star admitted his side came into the fixture determined at least not to lose, but insisted the outcome remains disappointing:

“Overall it’s a sad one.”

💭 Opinion Corner

For Rivers United fans, this has become a familiar story — strong performances undone by a moment’s loss of focus.

Finidi is right: this is not about fitness or tactics… it’s about mentality.

The finish line must be crossed with full attention. A team that wants to challenge for honours cannot afford to switch off in the dying seconds — not at this level, not with the talent Rivers United possess.

However, there is also encouragement to be found here: if the problem is mental, then it is fixable. The hard work, the structure, and the goals are already in place. What’s left is belief — belief that they can close games strongly and punish opponents who dare to relax first.

One thing is clear… If Rivers United sharpen that winning mentality, these painful draws could soon become comfortable victories.