Finidi George questions penalty in Nigeria match — Premium Times Nigeria
Rivers United coach Finidi George criticized his team’s play at the end of the match against Nasarawa United in Lafia, Nigeria. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with the hosts equalizing in the 84th minute after a penalty was awarded.
As Premium Times Nigeria reports, Rivers United were close to an away victory, but in the closing minutes the players dropped too deep toward their own goal. This allowed Nasarawa United to apply constant pressure near the opponents’ penalty area.
Defensive play at the end of the match
George said that his team generally played a good match, but defended too deeply in the final ten minutes. According to him, he called on the players from the bench to push higher up and operate farther from their own penalty area in order to avoid such episodes.
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The coach noted that the opponents took advantage of the opportunity and scored the equalizer. As a result, Rivers United earned one point, although they were close to victory.
Doubts over the penalty
George also questioned the referee’s decision to award a penalty to Nasarawa United. At the same time, he acknowledged that the team had to accept the decision, as the referee said he had seen the incident.
The coach urged the players to focus on the next match. He stressed that all matches are difficult this season, including home games, and that the team needs to find a way to earn three points.
