Rivers United stand-in coach Yemi Olanrewaju has blamed fatigue for his side’s heavy 4-1 defeat to Barau FC in their rescheduled NPFL Matchday 5 fixture played on Friday at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.
The Pride of Rivers were without head coach Finidi George, who was absent due to bereavement, according to an official club statement. Olanrewaju took charge of the team from the touchline.
Speaking after the match, Olanrewaju maintained that the scoreline did not reflect the balance of play, insisting Rivers United dominated possession but were undone by a congested fixture schedule.
“Conceding four goals doesn’t really show the true nature of the game. We controlled the match and had about 70 per cent possession, but the outcome wasn’t what we wanted. I think fatigue played a big role. The players looked tired,” he said.
Olanrewaju pointed to the demanding run of fixtures and extensive travel, revealing that the clash against Barau FC was the club’s seventh match in less than three weeks.
“It’s been a tough run with a lot of travelling. You go back to Port Harcourt, then make a two-day trip again. It’s not easy for the boys, but this is Rivers United. We are built for tough moments. One or two games won’t go your way in a 38-game season,” he added.
Rivers United made three changes to the side that defeated Wikki Tourists at home, with Nsi Effimi, Seyi Ogunbayo and Okon Aniekeme replaced by Ogechukwu Ogbulu, Wasiu Falolu and Emmanuel Nnaji.
The visitors started brightly and took the lead inside five minutes when Osimaga Duke fired a powerful long-range effort past Barau FC goalkeeper Yusuf Mohammed.
Rivers United continued to press early on, with Samson Obi and Wasiu Falolu both going close, but Barau FC gradually settled and drew level in the 25th minute after Usman Maidubji converted from the penalty spot.
Momentum shifted in favour of the hosts just before the break as Jimmy Ambrose scored to give Barau FC a 2-1 lead at half-time.
The second half proved decisive. Substitute Kabir Abdullahi struck twice in quick succession, scoring in the 64th minute and again eight minutes later, to complete a comprehensive victory for the home side.
Despite the loss, Rivers United remain top of the NPFL standings with 33 points from 17 matches, two points clear of second-placed Nasarawa United.
The defeat was their first away loss of the season, ending an eight-game unbeaten run on the road. It was also only their second defeat of the campaign, alongside five draws and two away victories.
Barau FC moved up to 16th on the table with 20 points, boosting their hopes of avoiding relegation.
Rivers United will look to respond quickly when they return to league action on Monday, travelling to Ilorin to face Katsina United in their Matchday 18 fixture.
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