Finidi George, the astute coach of Rivers United, harbors a strong belief that his team can still clinch the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League title, despite trailing the current leaders, Remo Stars, by a significant 11-point margin. With 11 games remaining in the season, Finidi exudes confidence that the gap is bridgeable and that his team possesses the necessary mettle to overtake Remo Stars. He acknowledges the earlier neck-and-neck race between the two teams, which saw Rivers United relinquish their top spot due to a dip in form at the beginning of the second stanza. However, a recent resurgence, marked by a string of positive results including two wins, two draws, and a single loss in their last five matches, has reignited their title aspirations. The scoreless draw against 3SC in Ibadan served as a further testament to their renewed vigor and resilience.
Finidi’s optimism stems from the inherent unpredictability of football. He posits that anything can happen in the league, particularly with 11 games still to play. He cites their previous experience of losing a game and subsequently struggling, but emphasizes their current return to form, which he deems crucial for their title chase. He also anticipates potential slip-ups from Remo Stars, acknowledging their current strong performance but highlighting the possibility of losing games and the ensuing impact on their title aspirations.
The coach’s strategy focuses on a game-by-game approach, prioritizing each match as it comes rather than fixating solely on Remo Stars’ position. He views the upcoming home game against Niger Tornadoes as a crucial opportunity to build on the point gained on the road in Ibadan and secure a much-needed three points. This pragmatic approach underscores his belief that consistent performance and maximizing points in each game hold the key to their title ambitions. He acknowledges the difficulty of the task ahead, recognizing that nothing is easy at this stage of the competition, but remains steadfast in his conviction that Rivers United can challenge for the title.
Finidi’s confidence is further bolstered by his previous experience and track record. Having led Enyimba to their ninth NPFL title in 2023, he brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to Rivers United. His short stint as the head coach of the Super Eagles further adds to his credentials and provides him with valuable insights into high-pressure situations. This combination of experience, strategic acumen, and belief in his team’s capabilities forms the foundation for his optimism and determination to overcome the current deficit and secure the league title.
The former Super Eagles player identifies the turning point in their season as a period of two or three games where they experienced a bad run, leading to their decline in the league standings. However, he highlights the team’s current resurgence and return to form as a positive sign, indicating their readiness to compete for the title. He acknowledges the challenging nature of the remaining fixtures but emphasizes the importance of fighting until the end, echoing his unwavering belief in their ability to turn the tables.
The upcoming game against Niger Tornadoes at home presents a crucial opportunity for Rivers United to gain momentum and close the gap on Remo Stars. Finidi views the away draw against 3SC as a valuable point gained, providing a platform to consolidate their position and aim for maximum points in their next fixture. This pragmatic approach, coupled with his belief in the team’s potential and the unpredictable nature of the league, forms the basis of his optimism for a successful title challenge. He remains focused on the task at hand, taking each game as it comes and emphasizing the importance of consistent performance in the remaining matches. His experience and track record of success, combined with his unwavering belief in his team, provide a strong foundation for their pursuit of the league title.
