Rivers United head coach, Finidi George, has told Nigerian fans to lower their expectations of entertainment football in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Speaking after his side’s goalless draw against Bendel Insurance in Benin, a rescheduled Matchday 9 fixture, the former Super Eagles winger said fans expecting “free-flowing football” should instead tune in to the UEFA Europa League later tonight.
“This is the Nigerian league, you know. Sometimes you don’t get the kind of football you watch in the EPL,” Finidi said. “We are used to it. Even though we’ve qualified for the CAF Champions League, when that time comes, we’ll play differently.”
When asked if his team came to play for a boring draw, Finidi smiled and responded sharply:
“If you’re so bored, you can watch the UEFA Europa League this evening and get that free-flowing football you want.”
He also hinted that some issues within Nigerian football are well-known but rarely discussed openly.
“You want me to be honest with you? I think you (the media) know. It’s not me that will answer this question. You people know, but you don’t speak,” he said.
The draw in Benin means Rivers United continue their solid run of form as they sit 6th on the log.