Finidi George got here out on high within the much-anticipated conflict of Tremendous Eagles legends, as Rivers United secured an exhilarating 3-1 win over Heartland FC within the Nigeria Skilled Soccer League on Saturday, Soccernet.ng experiences.
Rivers United coach Finidi knew solely a win would solidify his credentials because the superior tactician on a day when his former Tremendous Eagles teammate, Emmanuel Amunike, guided Heartland FC to Port Harcourt.
The 2 former internationals have been each a part of Nigeria’s victorious 1994 Africa Cup of Nations squad and are extensively thought to be two of the most effective wingers within the nation’s footballing historical past.
They have been additionally among the many Tremendous Eagles’ goalscorers in Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA World Cup look in america in 1994.
Each males have since ventured into teaching and have been shortlisted earlier this yr for the Tremendous Eagles head coach place.
Finidi was initially appointed however resigned after a month following poor outcomes and an alleged lack of help from the Nigeria Soccer Federation (NFF).
Saturday’s NPFL match marked the primary time Finidi and Amunike confronted off as coaches.
It was, nevertheless, Finidi’s tactical edge and an impressed efficiency from ahead Kabiru Abdullahi that secured victory for the Delight of Rivers.
Rivers United took the lead simply three minutes into the sport on the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. Taofeek Otaniyi headed the house aspect in entrance from Okon Aniekeme’s cross, capitalising on a defensive lapse by Heartland.
Nevertheless, Heartland responded simply earlier than halftime when Christian Molokwu levelled the rating, heading in from Chijioke Opara’s lengthy throw after a expensive error by the Rivers United goalkeeper.
The second half noticed probabilities for each groups, but it surely was Rivers United who regained the lead within the 68th minute.
Kabiru Abdullahi’s effort discovered the again of the web on the close to put up, beating Heartland’s goalkeeper.
Abdullahi struck once more deep into stoppage time with an excellent free-kick, securing a two-goal cushion for Rivers United and sealing their first win of the season.
The victory lifts Rivers United to 4 factors and briefly to the highest of the NPFL desk, pending different outcomes later within the weekend.
In distinction, Heartland stay on the backside of the standings after struggling defeats of their first two matches of the marketing campaign.
Amunike will likely be wanting to information his Owerri-based aspect again to successful methods after they have been relegated final season and solely returned to the NPFL via administrative selections.
