Rivers United’s nine-match unbeaten run in the Euromatch-NPFL came to an end in Benin City, with technical manager Finidi George pointing to a costly mistake after his side’s 2–1 defeat to Bendel Insurance.
The result denied the Pride of Rivers the chance to strengthen their position at the top of the table, with Bendel taking advantage of a decisive opening at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. The defeat came down to a moment when his players failed to manage possession and protect themselves against a quick counterattack.
“It’s football. There are moments of football, you know, where I think players must understand their defensive duties,” Finidi said after the match.
The Rivers United technical manager admitted that his players had become carried away in possession, allowing the hosts an opportunity to break forward.
“We were a bit carried away,” he said, explaining that the player who lost possession should have taken the ball towards the corner and tried to hold on to it rather than attempt to dribble.
“But he tried to dribble and threw down, lost the ball and they got that break.”
Finidi points to a collective defensive failure
The turnover proved costly because Rivers United were unable to reorganise quickly enough to contain Bendel’s attack. Finidi said the problem extended beyond the initial loss of possession, highlighting the space his team allowed the hosts to exploit.
“We didn’t defend well as a unit and then there was opening for that two pass and then it was a clinical finish, you know,” he said.
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His assessment placed the emphasis on both individual decision-making and the team’s collective defensive response. Against opponents ready to punish mistakes, Rivers United’s inability to close the gaps after losing the ball left them vulnerable at a critical moment.
Despite the disappointment, Finidi acknowledged Bendel Insurance’s performance and their ability to make the most of the opportunity.
“So, we must commend Bendel Insurance. I think both teams played to win or at least get the result…”
Rangers showdown offers Rivers United an immediate test
Rivers United must now turn their attention to a significant home fixture against Enugu Rangers on 1 November 2026, with the meeting carrying added weight as the competitive relationship between the clubs continues to develop into a growing rivalry.
The two sides have traded important blows recently. Rangers beat Rivers United to last season’s league title, before Rivers secured a measure of revenge by eliminating The Flying Antelopes from the President FA Cup.
That history adds another layer to a fixture that already promises to be a major test for both teams. it also comes at a time Rivers United must respond to their first league defeat after nine unbeaten matches and address the defensive lapses Finidi identified in Benin City.
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The loss to Bendel has ended their unbeaten sequence, but the timing leaves little room for prolonged disappointment. With Rangers next on the schedule, Rivers United will need to show they can learn from the mistakes that cost them against Bendel and approach their next challenge with greater composure in possession and discipline without the ball.
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