Rivers United’s title charge in the Nigeria Premier Football League has taken a serious hit after a 1-0 loss to Niger Tornadoes in Minna, with the club’s coaching crew pointing to the toll of continental football as a key factor.
The Pride of Rivers have now suffered three straight defeats, a run that has tightened the title race and left them just one point ahead of Enugu Rangers at the summit.
Rivers United boss blames Champions League strain as fixtures take toll
Speaking after the game on behalf of Finidi George, Chief Coach Yemi Olarenwaju admitted their fixture congestion affected the team’s performances.
“It was a good game, you know; it’s a game that we dominated all through the first half. I don’t think they created anything except that mix-up. But it’s one of those things; I think we are paying the price of playing the continent. Games are accumulated, and everybody is playing for something.”
Rivers United started brightly in Minna, controlling the early exchanges and creating chances through Maclyn Biokpo, Chijioke Mbaoma, and Wisdom Samuel, but their lack of cutting edge proved costly.
The decisive moment came in the 67th minute when Terdoo Shimagande capitalised on a set-piece situation to hand Niger Tornadoes the winner.
Rivers United boss insists title race remains open despite setback
The defeat also highlighted the growing physical and mental strain on the squad, especially after a demanding run of four consecutive away matches.
“So, every away game we knew that it was going to be very difficult. This is Rivers United; we are mentally strong. We knew that it was going to be difficult for us.”
With losses to Shooting Stars, Ikorodu City, and now Niger Tornadoes, Rivers United have picked up zero points from their last three matches, allowing rivals back into the title conversation.
“Everybody is playing for something; almost everybody is playing. Those outstanding games during the continent are what we are playing for now, and now, Tornadoes are playing to avoid relegation. We played Ikorodu, who wants to go to the continent by all means.”
Despite dominating large spells of the match, Rivers United were undone by inefficiency in front of goal and lapses in key moments.
The situation worsened late on when Maclyn Biokpo was sent off, ruling him out of the next crucial fixture.
“So, every team is playing for something now. But I think we had a good game; we don’t deserve to lose today. But it’s a marathon; we still have 8 games more.”
The Port Harcourt side have now completed their outstanding fixtures, but instead of gaining momentum, they find themselves under pressure with just a single-point lead at the top.
“And the focus is on the next game; we don’t want to dwell on any previous game at all, at all. We are focused on the next game.”
Attention now shifts to a decisive clash against Nasarawa United, where anything short of a win could see Rivers United lose top spot for the first time in months.