Nightmare for Super Eagles legend after third loss in four Champions League matches​

A devastating 1-0 home defeat to Zambia’s Power Dynamos on Sunday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium has left Finidi George's Pride of Rivers staring at a group-stage exit from the CAF Champions League.

The loss marks a nightmare run for the former Enyimba coach, whose side has now suffered three defeats in four matches, leaving them rooted to the bottom of Group A with a solitary point.

Despite the narrow scoreline, the statistics told a story of utter frustration for the Port Harcourt-based side in the match described as do or die. 

Finidi’s men controlled a staggering 71% of possession and registered 20 shots on goal, yet they failed to find the back of the net.

The breakthrough for the visitors came in the 50th minute when Kondwani Chiboni capitalised on a defensive lapse to silence the Uyo crowd. 

It was Power Dynamos' only clear-cut opportunity of the game, but it was enough to condemn Rivers United to their third loss of the campaign.

Unfortunately, the defence failed when it mattered most, and the attack remained blunt despite completing over 463 passes.

The road to the knockout stages is now statistically bleak. With group leaders Pyramids FC sitting comfortably on 10 points and RS Berkane also well ahead, Rivers United must win their remaining two fixtures and hope for a series of miracles elsewhere.

The pressure is mounting on Finidi George, who took the Rivers United job with the mandate of replicating his domestic success on the continent. Instead, his side has struggled with the clinical nature of elite African football.