Rivers United coach Finidi George has called on fans to provide full support as the Pride of the Rivers prepare to host Zambia’s Power Dynamos in a crucial CAF Champions League group stage clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Sunday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 2020/21 NPFL champions go into matchday four of the group stage trailing Group A leaders by six points, having collected only one point from three games.
A goalless draw in Ndola last week offered a brief reprieve, but the team must now turn promise into points to avoid an early exit from the continent’s elite club competition.
Speaking at a press briefing on Saturday, Finidi highlighted the importance of home advantage and urged fans to back the side.
“We are playing at home, so the approach will be different,” he said.
“If the boys carry out what we talked about, I think we’re going to have a day tomorrow. We want the fans to be behind us and support us like they always do. We won’t let them down. We’ll come all out to bring our A-game.”
The former Super Eagles coach also suggested a subtle tactical edge for Sunday’s fixture, citing the playing surface as a key factor.
Rivers United aim to exploit the smooth pitch at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium to move the ball quickly and control play, in contrast to the bumpy and dry conditions they encountered in Ndola.
“We noticed the field was bumpy and dry. Maybe they are used to playing on that kind of terrain, or it was a strategy,” he said.
“They know we can pass the ball well. Tomorrow, the field will be wet. Even if there’s no rainfall, we’ll make sure it’s watered so the circulation of the ball will be quicker.”
Rivers United’s goalkeeper, Osagie Onisodumeya, produced a string of saves in Zambia to secure a clean sheet, but Finidi wants a more balanced team performance on Sunday.
“The last match, it was the goalkeeper’s turn to save the day, and he did very well. We must commend him,” Finidi said.
“But every game is different. It could be a midfielder tomorrow. I hope our goalkeeper will not be the man of the match. We need other players to step up.”
Sunday’s fixture kicks off at 5pm Nigerian time, marking the start of the return legs in Group A.
A win for Rivers would not only reignite their hopes in the group but also reward the side for defensive solidity shown in Ndola. Pyramids FC face RS Berkane in Cairo in the other group game.
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