Rivers United head coach, Finidi George, has praised his players for securing a crucial point on the road in their opening fixture of the 2024/2025 NPFL season, following a goalless draw against Bendel Insurance at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
Goalkeeper Bamidele Adeniyi was sent off for the first time in Rivers United colours, but the Pride of Rivers stood firm to secure a valuable point in Benin City, showing resilience despite being reduced to ten men.
Speaking after the match, George, who took over the reins at Rivers United after a brief stint with the Super Eagles, acknowledged the difficulty of the match, especially given their numerical disadvantage.
“It’s never easy. My time with Enyimba also, it is always a difficult place to even pick a point. For us playing with one man less and we were able to defend till the end.
I must commend my boys. This is just the beginning and now we just have to think how we can go back home and consolidate.
Looking ahead, the coach expressed optimism about their next fixture.
“We will be playing at home and we will try to give our best to win that game. Every game is difficult in the NPFL. We are happy with this one point.
You can’t take anything away from them. They gave their best but at the end of the day, getting that one point is crucial for us.”
