Finidi sent off as Rivers United miss out on NPFL New Year's Eve champions

Rivers United coach Finidi George unfortunately got himself red-carded in his side's 1-1 draw against Plateau United in their final NPFL game of 2024 held at Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Monday. 

The stalemate denied Rivers United the opportunity to finish 2024 atop the league's standings.

The visitors, Plateau United, appeared to have taken an early lead through Vincent Temitope in the 18th minute.

However, referee Olawale Fawole controversially disallowed the goal, ruling that a foul had occurred in the build-up.

This early setback seemed to spur Plateau United on, and they eventually found the back of the net in the 51st minute. 

Adamu Abubakar delivered a pinpoint pass, and Temitope made no mistake, slotting the ball past the Rivers United goalkeeper.

The goal put immense pressure on the home side, and frustration began to boil over. 

In the 80th minute, manager Finidi George, was shown a red card for his fiery temperament, leaving his team to fend for themselves.

However, just when it seemed all hope was lost, Rivers United produced a late surge. 

Deep into stoppage time, Handsome Surveyor pounced on a loose ball to score the equalizer in the sixth minute of added time.

The late drama did not end there. Plateau United's bench erupted in protest following the equalizer, leading to a lengthy delay and a red card for head coach Mangut.

The result meant that Rivers United are now trailing league leaders Remo Stars by two points, as they secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Akwa United on Sunday, maintaining their position at the summit of the NPL.

The draw was a frustrating end to 2024 for the former Ajax Amsterdam winger, who resigned from his position as the coach of the Super Eagles in June, just forty-seven days after being appointed for the role by the Nigeria Football Federation.

Ejim Kaycee

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