Finidi: NPFL Striker Crisis Hurting Rivers United’s Title Push

Rivers United head coach Finidi George has voiced concern over the shortage of prolific strikers in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), even as his side reclaimed top spot with a 2-1 victory over Kun Khalifat at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on matchday 32.

The win saw Rivers United leapfrog Enugu Rangers to return to the summit, but Finidi remains troubled by his team’s wastefulness in front of goal and the wider decline in scoring across the league.

‘In the opening minute of the game, we had a couple of chances missed. I have been worried about several missed chances,’ Finidi admitted after the match.

Despite Rivers United scoring four times in recent fixtures, the coach stressed the need to improve conversion rates, particularly at home where dominance is expected.

Finidi pointed to a broader issue within the NPFL, noting that the league’s top scorer, Rangers’ Godwin Obaje, has managed just 11 goals this season.

‘The league as a whole has fallen short of goals. The highest goal scorer is on 10 as it stands,’ he remarked, highlighting what he sees as a systemic challenge affecting attacking productivity.

More striking was his revelation that Rivers United’s highest scorer this season is a defender, underscoring the imbalance in the squad’s offensive output.

‘In our team, our highest goal scorer is a defender, and we are at the position we are now. That’s how bad it was,’ he said.

Despite these concerns, the victory was crucial for Rivers United as they continue their push for the NPFL title.