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Former Super Eagles boss Finidi George suffered his first defeat of the season against Ikorodu City in a controversial clash.
Former Super Eagles coach Finidi George left Lagos feeling despondent after his team, Rivers United, experienced their first defeat of the season at the hands of newly promoted Ikorodu City.
The match, held on Sunday at the Onikan Stadium, ended 2-0 in favour of Ikorodu City, snapping Rivers United's impressive nine-match unbeaten streak in the Football League.
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15:32 - 01.11.2024
Ex-Super Eagles coach Finidi George visits Lagos, Eguavoen's assistants hunt for wins - Here are 3 talking points
A weekend of intrigue in the Nigeria Premier Football League with Super Eagles assistant coaches and ex-boss Finidi George at the centre stage.
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Match Highlights
The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams struggling to find clear scoring opportunities.
After dropping points at home the last time, Rivers United, known for their attacking flair and possession football, found it difficult to penetrate a resolute Ikorodu defence.
The game took a decisive turn in the second half when Ikorodu City came out with renewed vigour.
They opened the scoring with a stunning goal off a beautifully crafted team goal that left Rivers United's goalkeeper with no chance.
The goal sparked wild celebrations among the home fans and put pressure on Finidi George's side.
Ikorodu doubled their lead shortly after with another well-executed goal, showcasing their attacking capabilities and determination to secure all three points.
Despite being two goals down, Rivers United fought back but were unable to find their way behind a well-drilled Ikorodu defence led by the inspirational skipper Waliu.
Controversy and Frustration
Throughout the match, Finidi George was an animated figure on the touchline, visibly frustrated with the officiating.
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He was seen gesturing emphatically and voicing his concerns over several contentious decisions made by the referee.
The visitors felt aggrieved by what they perceived as missed, undeserved fouls and questionable calls that disrupted their rhythm.
However, despite the frustration, the former Ajax star kept pushing his Simplified Boys who could not find the back of the net, leaving them aggrieved and disappointed.
Implications of the Result
With this victory, Ikorodu City have now recorded three consecutive wins at home, scoring nine goals during this impressive run.
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However, despite their recent form, they remain precariously positioned in the relegation zone, highlighting the competitive nature of this season's league.
Conversely, Rivers United's defeat has significant implications for their title aspirations. They have dropped to second place in the league standings after being overtaken by Remo Stars.
This loss serves as a wake-up call for Finidi George and his squad as they look to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
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