Latest News
Finidi George Expresses Mixed Feelings Over Rivers United’s Draw with Power Dynamos
Rivers United head coach Finidi George has admitted to having mixed emotions following his side’s goalless draw away to Power Dynamos, stressing that the result would have been “perfect” if the Pride of Rivers had secured victory in their Matchday Two home fixture against RS Berkane in the 2025/2026 CAF Champions League.
Rivers United looked on course for a memorable home win against the Moroccan side after Mamadou Lamine Camara turned the ball into his own net in the 37th minute of their Group A encounter in Uyo. However, the Nigerian champions were left stunned as RS Berkane struck twice deep into stoppage time to dramatically turn the game on its head.
Youness El Kaabi equalised in the 90+7 minute before Mounir Chouiar broke home fans’ hearts with a 90+9 minute winner, a collapse that has since complicated Rivers United’s continental campaign.
That crushing defeat loomed large again on Saturday night after Rivers United were held to a 0–0 draw by Power Dynamos at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia. Speaking during his post-match press conference, Finidi admitted that the result was only partly satisfying.
“Not totally satisfied,” the former Super Eagles winger said. “This draw would have been a good result for us if we had won the game against RS Berkane.
“We knew how we lost that game in the last minute of additional time when we conceded two goals. If we had won that game, this draw today would have been a perfect result for us because we are going back home to face the same team, and we know we are strong at home.”
Rivers United went into the clash against Power Dynamos without a point, fully aware that only a win would significantly boost their qualification hopes in the tightly contested group. Finidi conceded that a draw was not the outcome his side had targeted.
“That’s not the result we wanted, but I feel it was a difficult game for us,” he said.
“In the first half, we tried to contain them, but in the second half they pushed us back. We were mostly defending as Dynamos took control of the game.
“It’s not the result we wanted, but we’re happy with the draw.”
The former Ajax and Enyimba midfielder also expressed frustration at how Rivers United’s Champions League campaign has unfolded so far.
“I’m not happy with how everything has turned out, but it’s football. You just have to continue and see how we can get our first win at home next week,” Finidi added.
Looking ahead to the reverse fixture against Power Dynamos on 30 January at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Finidi expects a different contest.
“We know they play with a lot of intensity going forward, but I think the home game will be different. We are going to approach it differently.
“Hopefully, we will be capable of winning that game and getting our first win. No game is easy, so coming here and not losing is not what we wanted, but at the same time, it’s not bad at all.”
Finidi also highlighted the youthful makeup of his squad and expressed optimism about their long-term growth on the African stage.
“The players have done well. They are young — the goalkeeper, the left full-back we brought in is barely 18,” he said.
“These players are learning. I believe that next time they play in a tournament like this, they will be more experienced.
“I’m happy with the performance of some players, but overall, as a team, we need to do more. I hope that in the home match against Dynamos, we can show that capability and hopefully win the game.”
