Rivers United captain, Festus Austin, has urged fellow players not to be downcast because of the 0-2 loss to FC Ifeanyi Ubah (FCIU) in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) last Sunday.
Goals from Wasiu Jimoh and Ismaila Gata won the game for the ‘Anambra Warriors’, the first time United would lose a game by more than a goal in all competitions this term.
Austin is, however, eager to see his charges lift themselves up and focus on upcoming games.
“The way we lost made us angry but it is a good reaction because it will spur us to perform better in subsequent games.We did not take our chances in the game and that was why we lost,” he said.
“It is football though. You win some and lose some. We will try to bounce back from this.”
Two players, Aremu Afeez and Bright Babatunde, made their debuts for United but Austin does not believe the team chemistry was affected.
“Our usual fluidity was not affected by the addition of the two new players. I am happy that we have very disciplined players who are willing to work.
“Our objectives remain clear and we will continue to work hard. What happened last Sunday was just one bad result and we will put it behind us and focus on the games we will play in the coming days.”
Rivers United is second in the NPFL standings with 38 points from 22 matches.