Finidi George Sure Of NPFL Title Win Despite Rivers United Slip

Rivers United boss Finidi George insists Sunday’s derby defeat will not knock his side off course in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title race.

Rivers fell 1-0 to Bayelsa United at the Samson Siasia Stadium after captain Temple Emekayi diverted the ball into his own net in the 12th minute.

It was a damaging moment in a tight game. The defeat dropped the Port Harcourt club to second place, though they still have three outstanding fixtures to play.

Rangers International F.C. took advantage, beating Nasarawa United F.C. 2-0 at home to move to the top of the NPFL table.

“If losing to Bayelsa United will give us the league title, I’ll accept it,” Finidi George said after the game.

“We know the purpose of our campaign this season is to win the league. It’s quite unfortunate that we lost today.”

In Benin City, Bendel Insurance F.C. delivered one of the performances of the weekend, thrashing Ikorodu City F.C. 4-0 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

Alex Oweilayefa ran the show with a hat-trick for the hosts, while Wisdom Udom completed the rout.

Ikorodu City coach Bright Ozebagbe did not hide his frustration after seeing his side’s three-match unbeaten run halted.

“We were sloppy, and we had chances but we failed to capitalise on them,” Ozebagbe told Platinum News.

“We will try to correct the area that we found ourselves wanting in the game.

“We are not under pressure to win the league we just want to try as much as possible to stay in the race.”

Despite the heavy loss, Ikorodu City remain third on 45 points from 28 matches, keeping their place among the leading pack as the NPFL title battle tightens.