Finidis Rivers Expresses Disappointment As Amuneke Suffers Another Defeat, While Remo Stars Continue Their Flawless Start.

Former Super Eagles winger, Finidi George, emerged victorious in a highly-anticipated encounter against fellow Super Eagles legend, Emmanuel Amunike, as his team, Rivers United, secured an exhilarating 3-1 win over Heartland FC in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) yesterday in Port Harcourt.

Finidi, who is currently the coach of Rivers United, was determined to demonstrate his abilities as a superior tactician, especially with Amunike leading the visiting Heartland FC side. This defeat marked Amunike’s second consecutive loss of the season, following a 1-3 home defeat to Enyimba last weekend in Owerri.

Both Finidi and Amunike were key players in Nigeria’s triumphant squad during the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, and they are widely acknowledged as two of the country’s finest wingers in football history. They were also part of the Super Eagles team that made their historic FIFA World Cup debut in the United States in 1994, with both players finding the back of the net.

Both Finidi and Amunike have transitioned into coaching since retiring from professional football, and earlier this year, they were shortlisted for the head coach position of the Super Eagles. However, Finidi was initially appointed but resigned after a month due to underwhelming results and purported lack of support from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Saturday’s NPFL match marked the first coaching face-off between Finidi and Amunike. It was ultimately Finidi’s tactical prowess and an inspired performance from forward Kabiru Abdullahi that secured the victory for Rivers United.

Rivers United took an early lead just three minutes into the game at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. Taofeek Otaniyi capitalized on a defensive error by Heartland and headed the home side in front from Okon Aniekemes’ cross.

Heartland managed to equalize just before halftime through Christian Molokwu, who headed in from Chijioke Opara’s long throw after an error by the Rivers United goalkeeper.

The second half witnessed opportunities for both teams, but it was Rivers United who regained the lead in the 68th minute. Kabiru Abdullahi’s effort found the back of the net at the near post, beating Heartland’s goalkeeper.

In deep stoppage time, Abdullahi struck again with a fantastic free-kick, securing a two-goal cushion for Rivers United and sealing their first win of the season.

With this victory, Rivers United now have four points and have temporarily claimed the top spot in the NPFL table, pending the results of other matches later in the weekend. On the other hand, Heartland continues to struggle, sitting at the bottom of the standings after suffering defeats in their first two matches of the campaign.

Amunike will be determined to guide his Owerri-based side back to winning ways, especially after experiencing relegation last season and only returning to the NPFL through administrative decisions.

In another match, Remo Stars maintained their winning streak with a narrow 1-0 victory over Sunshine Stars of Akure in the first Western derby of the season. Adeola Babawo scored the lone goal of the match in the 7th minute, propelling Remo Stars to the top of the table ahead of other fixtures.