Rivers United head coach Finidi George has called on his club to strengthen its squad following the team’s disappointing campaign in the CAF Champions League, which ended with elimination from Group A after a heavy defeat to Egypt’s Pyramids FC.
The 4–1 loss at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo confirmed the Pride of Rivers finished bottom of their group with just one point from five matches — four defeats and a solitary draw — leaving them well short in the continental competition.
Despite taking an early lead through Stephen Manu, Rivers United were overwhelmed after the interval as the defending champions dominated the second half to secure a convincing win.
In his post-match assessment, Finidi acknowledged that the gulf in quality and intensity at this level exposed his squad’s limitations and stressed the necessity of recruiting new talent ahead of future campaigns. “We have seen our lapses and we know we can do better next time,” he said, urging the club’s hierarchy to back him in the transfer market.
Finidi also described the continental experience as a learning curve for his players. “Now they have seen a different level of football. To match a team like this, we definitely have to step up and bring in a couple of players,” he added.
The coach dismissed suggestions that luck played a part in their exit, insisting that Pyramids were simply the superior side over 90 minutes. “They were better, far better in the second half. This is another level of football, another level of intensity,” Finidi reflected.
While the continental disappointment paints a sobering picture for Rivers United fans, the club’s domestic fortunes remain promising; they are currently joint top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with several games in hand, keeping alive hopes of returning to Africa’s premier club competition next season.
