Finidi Reacts To Rivers United Setback, NPFL Matchday 30 Fixtures

Finidi George has insisted Rivers United will quickly move on from their setback after falling 2-1 to Shooting Stars in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) game in Ibadan on Thursday, March 12.

The NPFL clash at the Lekan Salami Stadium saw the Oluyole Warriors beat their visitors with goals from Sodiq Ibrahim and Qamar Adegoke.

Wasiu Falolu pulled one back for Rivers United, but it proved too little to rescue a point for the visitors.

Despite the defeat, Finidi struck a calm tone while reflecting on the result. The former Nigeria international said his players must regroup quickly and focus on correcting their mistakes before the next fixture.

“We lost, come back to make a few corrections, we just have to continue to encourage the players to express themselves properly before the next game,” Finidi told Rivers United’s media.

“We are quite optimistic as the season proceeds.”

The loss slows Rivers United’s momentum but does little damage to their title push. The Port Harcourt club remain top of the NPFL table with 52 points from 28 matches, holding a narrow advantage over chasing sides.

Rangers International, currently second on 50 points after 29 games, remain within touching distance, while Nasarawa United and Abia Warriors continue to press from third and fourth respectively. Shooting Stars’ victory, meanwhile, lifts their confidence in the race for continental places.

NPFL Matchday 30 Preview, Fixtures

NPFL matchday 30 promises to tighten the battle at both ends of the table. Leaders Rivers United face a tricky away trip to Ikorodu City on Monday, a fixture that could influence the title race if the chasing pack close the gap over the weekend. Rangers, Nasarawa United and Abia Warriors will all be watching closely as they attempt to capitalise on any slip.

Elsewhere, several mid-table sides are still within reach of the top four, while the relegation fight remains tense with only a few points separating clubs in the lower half.

Full Matchday 30 Fixtures

Saturday, March 14
Bendel vs Kun Khalifat FC – 4 p.m.

Sunday, March 15
El-Kanemi Warriors vs Katsina United – 3 p.m.
Barau vs Abia Warriors – 3:30 p.m.
Enyimba vs Plateau United – 4 p.m.
Bayelsa United vs Warri Wolves – 4 p.m.
Niger Tornadoes vs Kano Pillars – 4 p.m.
Remo Stars vs Nasarawa United – 4 p.m.
Kwara United vs Enugu Rangers – 4 p.m.
Shooting Stars vs Wikki Tourists – 4 p.m.

Monday, 16 March
Ikorodu City vs Rivers United – 4 p.m.