Rivers United head coach Yemi Olanrewaju has attributed his team’s heavy defeat to Barau FC to fatigue following a demanding run of fixtures and extensive travelling.
The Pride of Rivers lost 4-1 to Barau FC in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League matchday five fixture played at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
The encounter was played on Friday and marked another difficult away outing for Rivers United, who have faced a congested schedule in recent weeks.
Rivers United began the match on a positive note and showed early intent, pressing high and controlling possession during the opening exchanges.
Their bright start was rewarded in the fifth minute when Osimaga Duke scored the opening goal to give the visitors an early advantage.
The early goal appeared to unsettle Barau FC, but the hosts gradually settled into the contest and began to threaten Rivers United’s defence.
Barau FC drew level in the 25th minute after referee awarded a penalty, which Usman Maidubji converted confidently to restore parity.
The equaliser shifted momentum in favour of the home side, who began to play with more confidence and increased attacking urgency.
Rivers United continued to enjoy spells of possession but struggled to translate their control into clear-cut scoring opportunities.
Just before the halftime whistle, Barau FC took the lead through Jimmy Ambrose, whose strike gave the hosts a narrow advantage at the break.
The goal proved decisive psychologically, as Rivers United found it difficult to regain composure after conceding late in the first half.
Barau FC emerged strongly in the second half and capitalised on Rivers United’s visible drop in energy levels across the pitch.
Substitute Kabir Abdullahi made an immediate impact, scoring twice in the second half to extend Barau FC’s lead and put the result beyond doubt.
Rivers United attempted to respond with substitutions of their own, but fatigue appeared to limit their effectiveness in the closing stages.
Despite the heavy scoreline, Olanrewaju insisted after the match that the result did not accurately reflect the overall flow of the game.
The Rivers United coach claimed his side dominated possession, stating they controlled close to 70 percent of the match despite conceding four goals.
Olanrewaju emphasised that his players showed good structure and discipline, but lacked the physical sharpness needed to sustain performance levels.
He pointed to the team’s demanding travel schedule as a major factor, describing it as one of the toughest stretches of the season.
According to the coach, Rivers United had to return to Port Harcourt before embarking on another two-day journey, which affected player recovery.
Olanrewaju acknowledged the physical toll such trips take on players, especially within a congested league calendar like the NPFL.
The coach, however, refused to dwell excessively on the defeat, stressing that setbacks are inevitable over the course of a long season.
He reminded supporters that the Nigeria Premier Football League campaign consists of 38 matches, where consistency matters more than isolated results.
Olanrewaju reaffirmed his belief in the squad’s resilience and character, insisting that Rivers United are built to overcome challenging moments.
He added that lessons would be taken from the defeat as the team looks to improve performances and results in upcoming fixtures.
Rivers United will now shift focus to recovery and preparation as they aim to bounce back quickly in their next NPFL assignment.
The coaching crew is expected to assess player fitness closely, with rotation likely as the league season continues to intensify.
Despite the disappointment in Kano, Rivers United remain determined to stay competitive and push towards their season objectives.
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