Finidi Blames Costly Player Error as Bendel Insurance End Rivers United's Unbeaten Run

Posted : 28 October 2026

Rivers United head coach Finidi George has blamed a costly player error and poor defending for his team's 2-1 defeat to Bendel Insurance in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). The loss at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Sunday, October 25, ended Rivers United's nine-match unbeaten run this season.

The Pride of Rivers entered the Matchday 10 encounter hoping to strengthen their position at the top of the table. However, Bendel Insurance secured all three points through a late winner after both teams fought back and forth in the second half.

Freeman Wuchirwe opened the scoring for Bendel Insurance three minutes after the restart. Rivers United responded through Chijioke Mbaoma, who equalised in the 73rd minute to put the visitors back in contention.

The match appeared to be heading for a draw until Jonathan James scored in the 89th minute to give the Benin Arsenals a decisive victory. The late goal exposed Rivers United's failure to manage a crucial moment under pressure.

Speaking after the match, Finidi said one of his players made the wrong decision when the team needed to protect possession and see out the game. The former Super Eagles coach explained that the player attempted to dribble instead of holding the ball and winning a corner.

"I would say it is football. There are moments in the game when things don't go your way. We were a bit carried away in that moment, which cost us. Our player tried to dribble instead of holding out for a corner kick," Finidi said.

He also admitted that the team's defensive organisation was not good enough to prevent the decisive goal. Finidi acknowledged the efforts of both sides but accepted that Bendel Insurance had done enough to claim the victory.

"We didn't defend well, which led to their goal. I think both teams tried to win. At the end of the day, they got all three points," he added.

Despite the setback, Rivers United remain top of the NPFL standings with 17 points from 10 matches. They share the same points total with Nasarawa United and defending champions Rangers International, although Rangers have played two games fewer.

The result tightens the contest at the top of the table and gives Rivers United little room for further mistakes as the season progresses.

Finidi's team will now turn their attention to a crucial home fixture against Rangers International at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Sunday, November 1. The match presents an opportunity for Rivers United to respond to their first league defeat and protect their position in the title race.

Finidi Blames Costly Player Error as Bendel Insurance End Rivers United's Unbeaten Run

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