Rivers United manager Finidi George has dismissed pressure concerns following his team’s challenging draw in the CAF Champions League group stage. The Nigerian champions will face Egyptian giants Pyramids FC, Moroccan powerhouse RS Berkane, and Zambian titleholders Power Dynamos.
Addressing the draw results in Johannesburg, George framed the tough fixtures as motivation rather than intimidation. “This platform offers extra motivation for our players,” he stated. “Competing at this level builds confidence and allows them to showcase their abilities.”
The former Super Eagles coach highlighted mental preparation as crucial. “The players eagerly anticipate this opportunity. While physical readiness won’t be an issue, the mental aspect of this big stage is vital. We must be psychologically prepared.”
George emphasized fundamental tactics for the upcoming matches. “We feel no pressure. Our approach involves disciplined defense and executing basics effectively. Proper defensive organization throughout 90 minutes will create our scoring opportunities.”
He acknowledged the group’s difficulty but maintained perspective. “It’s a competitive yet fair draw. To win this tournament, facing elite teams is inevitable. We’ll focus on domestic matches now and intensify preparation as the continental fixtures approach.”
The Rivers United manager concluded by outlining his timeline. “We’ll shift full attention to Champions League preparation when the time comes. For now, Nigerian Premier League matches remain our priority.”
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