Rivers United technical adviser Finidi George has expressed satisfaction with his side's Matchday 34 victory over Plateau United, as the Port Harcourt club prepares to visit Kano next weekend.
Wisdom Samuel put the game to bed as early as the 10th minute at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Sunday, converting a well-crafted assist from Taofeek Otaniyi. That single goal was enough to hand Gbenga Ogunbote's Plateau United side a 1-0 defeat.
The win sent Rivers United back to the top of the NPFL standings — a position they will be eager to defend when they face Kano Pillars at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Matchday 35 this Sunday, 19th April.
Finidi described the performance as controlled and largely comfortable, even if chances were limited. "It's a match that we didn't create too many scoring chances, but the shot went in in the first half. I think in the second half, we had another chance. That was the highlight of the match," he told the club's media.
"We didn't suffer much, it was a game that we controlled properly, no too much stress at the back. We didn't create much too," he added.
"If you look at the overall performance of the team, it was a good one. We are quite happy with the performance, and the victory."
For Pillars fans, the message from those words is clear — Rivers United are arriving in Kano in good shape, sitting top of the table and full of confidence. Sani Abacha Stadium will need to be at its loudest. Kano Pillars' recent home form gives reason for optimism: four wins from the last five games at home, including a 4-0 demolition of Bendel Insurance just two weeks ago. The team has shown it can perform on this ground, and Sunday will demand exactly that.