Thank Your Keeper: What Finidi George was told after surviving beating in Zambia

In a grueling Matchday 3 encounter at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Findi George and his Rivers United survived a relentless onslaught from Power Dynamos to escape with a 0-0 draw.

After back-to-back losses to Pyramids FC and RS Berkane, the Pride of Rivers finally got off the mark in Group A, but the story wasn't about the tactics; it was about the man between the sticks, Osagie Onisodumeya.

The social media verdict was unanimous: Rivers United didn't just draw the game; Onisodumeya stole it.

"Rivers United have goalkeeper Osagie Onisodumeya to thank for making countless saves," NPFL expert Fisayo noted, while another was more critical of the team's overall display, labelling the performance a "waste of energy" despite the point.

The sentiment was clear, without their shot-stopper, Finidi's men would be heading back to Port Harcourt with another zero points and zero hope.

One frustrated supporter warned that their loyalty is hanging by a thread: "If they fail to win [the return leg], there goes my interest as well."

While the outfield players struggled to string passes together, Onisodumeya was a one-man army for the Rivers State side.

His statistics from the night in Ndola tell the story of a goalkeeper in the form of his life:

• Saves: 6 (at least four were point-blank "miracles")

• Touches: 55 (more than some of his midfielders)

• Recoveries: 8

• Pass Completion: 53% (often acting as the final line of playmaking under pressure)

The most heart-stopping moment came in the 75th minute when he was finally beaten by a Moses Shumah strike, only for the ball to rattle the post and stay out.

On a night where the Power Dynamos' goalkeeper, Willard Mwanza, never tested, Onisodumeya was the only thing standing between Finidi and a "disastrous" exit.

Despite the clean sheet, the pressure on Finidi George is mounting. While a point away in Zambia is respectable on paper, the lack of offensive threat has fans worried.

Rivers United currently sit 3rd in Group A with just one point from three games, trailing leaders Pyramids and RS Berkane.

“Disappointing result for Rivers United,” one fan lamented, highlighting that a draw against the group's bottom team might not be enough to secure qualification.

The two teams are set to meet again next Sunday, February 1, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

For Rivers United, the mission is simple: Win or go home. As one fan added, “Rivers United wins in Uyo and might just find themselves back in contention. Set up the Feb 6 encounter as a must-watch.”

If Finidi can find a way to make his attackers match the energy of his goalkeeper, the Pride of Rivers might just pull off a miracle. If not, they’ll be thanking Onisodumeya for a point that ultimately led nowhere.