Rivers United’s unbeaten run in the Nigeria Premier Football League ended on Sunday as the Pride of Rivers lost away at Bendel Insurance at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

Finidi George’s side were looking to extend their lead at the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League table but fell short as the hosts handed them their first loss of the season.

Bendel Insurance’s forward Freeman Wuchirwe scored the winner three minutes into the second half, but Chijioke Mbaoma restored parity 25 minutes later.

However, the visitors failed to hold on to the point as Jonathan Mairiga grabbed the winner for the Benin Arsenals in the 89th minute to end Rivers United’s nine-game unbeaten streak.

Finidi, in his post-match thoughts, highlighted how a costly mistake by one of his players cost the team three points.

The former Super Eagles manager also admitted that his team lost concentration and failed to defend properly in the final moments of the match.

“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,”

“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 losing to Bendel Insurance, Rivers United remain at the top of the league with 17 points after 10 matches alongside Nasarawa United and reigning champions, Enugu Rangers, who have played two matches less.

The Pride of Rivers will contend with Rangers in a top of the table face off at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Sunday.