‘They Lack Never-Say-Die Spirit’: Garba Lawal Slams Rivers United
Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal has taken aim at Rivers United players, criticizing their lack of resilience in the CAF Champions League this season.
Rivers United remain winless in Group A after four matches, suffering their third defeat of the campaign with a 1-0 loss to Power Dynamos of Zambia at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The result leaves them bottom of the table with just one point, facing daunting fixtures against Pyramids and RS Berkane.
Head coach Finidi George admitted after the defeat that it would be ‘almost impossible’ for his side to qualify for the knockout stage.
Lawal, however, placed the blame squarely on the players, insisting they lack the fighting spirit needed at continental level.
‘The player also contribute because administrators can’t play football for them. Coaches are trying to build their team because I remember when I was in Esperance, when I was playing continental football, I have not seen them (Rivers United) resilient; I have not seen them say ‘never say die,’’ Lawal said on Tuesday.
Despite their struggles in Africa, Rivers United remain top of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), even with three games in hand compared to other title contenders.
