Finidi George Fires Up Rivers United For High-Stakes Berkane Test

Rivers United manager Finidi George says his players are ready to fight for their first points of the CAF Champions League group stage when they face Moroccan side RS Berkane in Uyo on Friday.

Naija News reports that Rivers United opened their campaign with a bruising 3-0 defeat to Pyramids FC in Cairo.

Finidi, speaking confidently at the club’s pre-match press conference, insisted his side have taken the setback to heart and are prepared to show a far stronger performance.

“We owe it to our fans to rise up to the occasion and get a result against RS Berkane. We did well for 50 minutes against Pyramids and then lost concentration. We cannot afford to do that tomorrow,” he said.

The match will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, where Rivers United hope home comfort and crowd backing will give them the edge.

Finidi revealed that the technical team have carried out detailed assessments of Berkane, who are widely respected on the continent.

“Our focus is on the game against Berkane,” he explained. “We’ve made enquiries about them and we know what to expect. We have all the support we need to maintain high intensity and secure the maximum points. It’s going to be a difficult game, but the match we played in Cairo taught us so much, and we don’t want to repeat those mistakes.”

The former Nigeria international added that the squad have worked with purpose since returning from Egypt, determined to put the disappointment behind them.

“We have learned our lessons and we are working hard to get a positive result,” he said.

With Group B still open, a win would bring Rivers United straight back into contention and calm early nerves. Kick-off is scheduled for 4pm (Nigerian time).