NPFL: Rivers United deserved victory over Heartland – Finidi

Rivers United head coach Finidi George said his side deserved to beat Heartland in the second round of the Nigeria Premier Football League.

The Pride of Rivers defeated Emmanuel Amuneke’s side 3-1 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt on Saturday.

Taofeek Otaniyi headed Aniekeme Okon’s cross past Heartland goalkeeper Ebuka Nwokocha in the third minute.

Christian Molokwu tied the score for Heartland on a long throw-in from Chijioke Opara late in the first half.

Substitute Kabir Abdullahi found the net in the 60th minute to restore Rivers United’s lead.

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In added time, Abdullahi was on hand to score his second goal and secure a comfortable 3-1 victory for Rivers United.

“It was a good game, we started with a high tempo and after that goal the tempo dropped and Heartland started to play, unfortunately, they got that goal and we were furious about it. We have to put the boys on guard, especially in the second half,” Finidi said during his interaction with the media after the match.

“The second half was ours, they couldn’t do much more than one or two counterattacks they had, we controlled the game and overall we deserved to win.

“The team is practically new, so we have been working with the players tactically and technically, and they are responding.”