Rivers United Coach Blames Mental Fatigue for Sluggish Show vs Kano Pillars

Finidi George has admitted that his Rivers United side’s lacklustre first-half showing in their 1–0 win over Kano Pillars was down to psychological strain stemming from their recent continental defeat. The narrow victory came courtesy of a late 88th-minute header from Boluwaji Sholumade.

In a post-match comment, Finidi conceded: “Coming from that defeat (to RS Berkane in the CAF Champions League), I think it affected the players psychologically.” He highlighted how difficult it was to rally his squad after the bitter loss in Uyo, noting that the poor morale made the first half “sloppy.”

However, the second half told a different story: Rivers United raised their intensity, pushed forward, and eventually secured all three points  a result that moved them to third place in the table with 26 points from 13 matches (with two games in hand).

Looking ahead, Rivers United now prepare for a tricky away trip against Abia Warriors this weekend (Sunday, 7 December 2025) as they aim to maintain momentum.

Editorial

This win might show points on the board but behind the numbers lies a troubling truth the psychological toll of continental failure can seep dangerously into domestic battles. Finidi George’s candid acknowledgement of his players’ mental fatigue serves as a wake-up call for everyone in Nigerian club football mental resilience matters as much as physical readiness.

Football in Nigeria, and Africa broadly, is often measured in pulses  the high of continental ambition, the low of domestic struggles. A crushing loss in the CAF Champions League can crack a team’s confidence. What happened in Port Harcourt wasn’t just a shaky display it was the slow return from that jolt, frail, hesitant, almost apologetic in urgency.

Yet, Rivers United pulled through. That’s something. It speaks to character but also to the impatience of fans and pundits. Because the whistle blew on the game, the result reads simple: win. But for coaches, players and management, the path there matters just as much. A win born of psychological strain rather than footballing fluency can breed brittle confidence  one gust away from collapse.

If Rivers United hope to mount a serious challenge for the title, or make an impact in continental competitions again, they must address what sits between the ears as much as between the posts. Healing from defeat isn’t about turning up mere days later  it is about rebuilding resolve, rediscovering rhythm, committing to self-belief.

For now, the points are theirs. But the test lies ahead in a footballing climate where psychological scars often linger longer than bruised muscles. And until those scars are healed, every match will carry more than just the weight of result. It will carry the burden of recovery.

Did You Know?

1. Rivers United had several players featured in their 1–2 loss to RS Berkane days before the Kano Pillars match  meaning the squad’s fatigue wasn’t just mental but also possibly physical, from travel and heavy exertion.
2. The winning goal against Kano Pillars came in the 88th minute, underscoring a late-game resolve rather than dominance throughout a sign of resilience in adversity.
3. Despite being reduced to 10 men after a red card in the dying stages of the match, Rivers United held on and secured the win, showing defensive grit even under pressure.
4. The victory lifted Rivers United to third place with 26 points from 13 matches, with two games in hand — a competitive advantage that could prove decisive in the title race.
5. This was not the first time Finidi has publicly criticised his team’s domestic displays when coming off continental commitments — signalling a recurring challenge for clubs juggling continental and NPFL schedules.