Kun Khalifat coach Obinna Uzoho has expressed confidence in his team’s survival hopes despite a 4-2 defeat to Rivers United in Port Harcourt, insisting his side remains on course to turn things around.
Kun Khalifat went into the fixture at the Adokiye Amiesimaka stadium hoping to bounce back from recent poor results but were undone in a high-scoring encounter.
Kun Khalifat vs Rivers United: Uzoho reflects on costly defeat
Goals from Okon Aniekeme, Iyowuna Douglas, and Handsome Surveyor secured all three points for the Pride of Rivers, who climbed back to the top of the table.
Speaking after the match, Uzoho pointed to a drop in performance after the break as a key factor.
“I think we had a good first half. Coming to the second half, I think my players lost the rhythm of the game. We came looking for points because we needed to survive relegation.
But then, like I always say, you can never see die till the end of the whistle. It has come and gone, and hopefully we’ll get what we’re looking for some other place. As much as playing, I think since we’ve been playing the second half, my boys have been giving a good account of themselves.
And hopefully, they’re going to be in the league no matter what.”
The defeat means Kun Khalifat are now winless in three matches, with just one victory in their last five outings, further complicating their fight to avoid relegation.
Rivers United dominance exposes Kun Khalifat defensive concerns
Rivers United showed their attacking strength throughout the match. Aniekeme opened the scoring early before Kun Khalifat responded through Abdulrafiu Omolabi and Sunday Adehi to briefly take the lead.
However, the hosts regained control before half-time through Handsome Surveyor, while Iyowuna Douglas sealed the win late on with an impressive solo effort.
Despite conceding four goals, Uzoho downplayed long-term defensive worries, attributing earlier struggles to specific challenges.
“Talking about that, I think we had a rough first-half stanza, and that was where we got everything wrong. I’m trying to correct it. This is the first time we’ve conceded a big number of goals.
I would give that to injuries and some other factors. Since the second stanza, we’ve been playing very strong and not conceding many goals. So I think we’re on track and we’ll get it right.”
Kun Khalifat currently sit 20th on the table, with eight wins, nine draws, and 14 defeats this season. Still, the coach remains focused on picking up crucial points away from home.
“When you look at the table, you should know that it’s just to get something away by clinching all our away games, and something will be right.”
For Rivers United, the victory not only ended a brief dip in form but also returned them to the summit of the league standings, one point clear of second-placed Enugu Rangers.