In a highly anticipated showdown between Super Eagles legends, Finidi George emerged victorious as Rivers United delivered a captivating 3-1 triumph over Heartland FC in the Nigeria Professional Football League on Saturday.
The clash featured Finidi George, coach of Rivers United, against Emmanuel Amunike, who leads Heartland FC.
Both men, celebrated for their roles in Nigeria’s triumphant 1994 Africa Cup of Nations squad and noted as two of the country’s premier wingers, were facing off for the first time as coaches.
Their previous feats included scoring for the Super Eagles during Nigeria’s inaugural FIFA World Cup appearance in 1994 in the United States.
This NPFL encounter was particularly significant as it marked their first direct confrontation on the sidelines.
Finidi, having resigned from his role as Super Eagles head coach after just a month due to subpar results and alleged insufficient backing from the Nigeria Football Federation saw this match as a chance to assert his coaching credentials.
Rivers United took an early lead in the match, with Taofeek Otaniyi heading in a goal from Okon Aniekeme’s cross within just three minutes at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.
This early goal capitalized on a defensive error by Heartland FC.
Heartland FC fought back and managed to equalize just before halftime. Christian Molokwu scored with a header from Chijioke Opara’s long throw, exploiting a mistake by the Rivers United goalkeeper.
In the second half, both teams created opportunities, but it was Rivers United who retook the lead in the 68th minute.
Kabiru Abdullahi’s strike found the back of the net at the near post, outmaneuvering Heartland’s goalkeeper.
Abdullahi further secured Rivers United’s dominance with a spectacular free-kick deep into stoppage time, providing a two-goal advantage and sealing the team’s first win of the season.
This victory propelled Rivers United to four points and briefly positioned them at the top of the NPFL table, pending the outcome of other fixtures.
Conversely, Heartland FC remains at the bottom of the standings, having lost both of their opening matches of the season.
Amunike, who guided Heartland FC back to the NPFL after their relegation last season, will be keen to steer his team towards recovery and improved performances.
