Rivers United Coach, Finidi George, whose side were beaten 4-1 by visiting Pyramids FC of Egypt in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Sunday, has confessed that his team met a better side.

Many banked on Rivers United to use the game against the reigning champions to bounce back to reckoning after a poor start in the group stage of the competition. But the Port Harcourt-based side barely raised a fight in a game dominated by the more flexible Egyptians.
Rivers United raised their fans’ hope of a miracle in the first half as they matched Pyramids tackle for tackle in the first half. But the game changed completely in the second 45 minutes when the North Africans started running rings around the hapless Nigerians.
Although Rivers United drew the first blood, the Egyptians brought in the magic in the second half with four breathtaking goals that took the fight out of their hosts.

Speaking after the game, a sober Finidi said: “The first half, we did well. I think we controlled the game and scored our goal. We didn’t give them much. We pressed a little bit higher and forced them to play long balls.
“In the second half, I think there was indecision where we were supposed to commit. That tackle, we didn’t do it. They were faster, and the player ran in so easily.”
Finidi said that his boys tried to stem the tide when they noticed that things were going awry, but alas, the Egyptians had deadly motives.

“We tried to see how we could contain them in the second half, but it was difficult for the players. This is another level of football. In the first half, you think you have control, but in the second half, they came all out, and we couldn’t contain them. That’s football.
“We lost to a very good team. Especially in the second half, they controlled the 45 minutes. It’s quite difficult coming here and explaining what happened because we all saw it; they were far better in the second half.”
Finidi, whose team are atop the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table, said this year’s CAF Champions League campaign has taught them great lessons, which would be handy when they return to the competition next season.

“Let’s see how we can compete in the NPFL. If we win it, we’ll have time to prepare and bring in a couple of players to strengthen the team.
“We have seen our lapses, and we know we can do better next time. It’s a learning process for the players. Now they’ve seen a different level of football, and to match a team like this, we definitely have to step up and bring in a couple of players.”