Rivers United defeated NPFL champions Rangers International 3-2 in a thrilling President Federation Cup Round of 32 clash. Finidi George praised his players as the Port Harcourt club advanced to the last 16
Rivers United Get Sweet Revenge on Rangers as Finidi’s Men March Into Federation Cup Last 16
For Rivers United, the President Federation Cup has become more than a route to silverware—it is fast turning into a redemption mission.
Still nursing the pain of narrowly missing out on the Nigeria Premier Football League title to Rangers International, Rivers United produced a spirited response by eliminating the newly crowned champions from the 2026 President Federation Cup with a dramatic 3-2 victory in a Round of 32 encounter widely regarded as a final before the final.
The blockbuster clash reunited two teams that had pushed each other relentlessly in the league title race until the final day of the season, when Rangers edged Rivers United by a solitary point to claim the crown. But with a place in the last 16 at stake, Finidi George’s side showed character and determination to gain a measure of revenge and keep their hopes of ending the campaign with a trophy alive.
Speaking after the pulsating contest, Rivers United head coach Finidi George expressed delight with both the result and the performance of his players, particularly their dominance in the opening half.
“We started the game well. We are happy with the victory in the first place. The first half was very, very good,” Finidi told reporters.
“We scored two goals. In the second half, I told them to at least keep the ball properly, defend well, and see how, after 20 minutes, the game will slow down. But yea, Rangers came back and they scored two goals.”
After appearing to be in complete control, Rivers United were forced to withstand a fierce Rangers fightback that transformed the tie into a tense and nervy affair in the closing stages. However, Finidi’s men found a way through when it mattered most.
“It was a little bit scrappy in the last 10 minutes. At the end of the day, we got that victory. We are happy with it,” Finidi added.
“We are up next in the round of 16. We are happy with it and we will keep pushing to see where we end up.”
The decisive moment came from substitute Handsome Surveyor, whose late winner proved the difference between the two sides. Finidi revealed that his coaching crew had anticipated the forward could provide the spark needed to settle the contest.
“We knew he has that luck as well,” the former Super Eagles winger said.
“That’s why we brought him in. At the end of the day, he got that goal for us, the winner. We are quite happy. We will keep encouraging him to see how he can help us as well.”
The victory not only secured Rivers United’s passage into the Round of 16 but also strengthened belief within the squad that they can channel the disappointment of their league near miss into Federation Cup success.
Elsewhere, former champions Enyimba booked their place in the next round with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Gombe United, while Bendel Insurance continued their impressive campaign by defeating Crown FC 3-1.
El-Kanemi Warriors survived a stern challenge from Akwa United, advancing 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, while Kada Warriors edged Shooting Stars 5-4 in a penalty shootout following another 1-1 stalemate.
Nasarawa United recorded one of the biggest wins of the round, cruising to a 3-0 victory over Ejigbo City, while Plateau United defeated Kogi United 1-0. Ikorodu City also progressed comfortably with a 2-0 triumph over Jigawa Golden Stars.
Bida Lions stunned Warri Wolves 2-0, Wikki Tourists overcame Bayelsa United 3-1, Barau FC edged Abakaliki FC 1-0, and Sokoto United pulled off one of the surprises of the round with a narrow 1-0 victory against Kwara United.
There was further shootout drama as Flight FC defeated Mighty Jets 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, while FC Basira prevailed 8-7 against Ingas FC following another stalemate in regulation time.
The Round of 32 results have now set the stage for an enthralling last-16 battle, with Rivers United facing Nasarawa United in one of the standout fixtures. Other ties will see Sunshine Stars U-19 take on Barau FC, Ikorodu City face Enyimba, Plateau United battle FC Basira, Sokoto United meet Adamawa United, Bendel Insurance clash with El-Kanemi Warriors, Kada Warriors confront Wikki Tourists, and Bida Lions square up against Flight FC as the race for Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious domestic cup competition intensifies.
