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Rivers United coach Finidi George has questioned the mentality of his players after yet another stoppage-time lapse cost them a victory, this time in a Nigeria Premier Football League match-day 16 clash against Abia Warriors in Umuahia on Sunday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

After a largely goalless contest, Maclyn Biokpo finally put Rivers United ahead in the 86th minute, but Suraj Lawal struck deep into stoppage time to rescue a point for the hosts.

Ubong Friday set up the opener with a precise cross that Biokpo calmly finished past goalkeeper Okiemute Odah—his third goal in three games. But Rivers United switched off late, allowing Lawal too much space in the six-yard box to head in the equaliser.

A win in Umuahia would have taken Rivers United to the top of the NPFL table, despite having two games in hand.

The late collapse mirrored their stoppage-time setback against RS Berkane in the CAF Champions League two weeks earlier, leaving Finidi visibly frustrated.

“It’s all about concentration,” Finidi said after the match. “What can be done? I don’t know, but we need to keep working and become mentally stronger to manage games when they’re almost over.

“It wasn’t physical; it was mental—about game management. At that point, the coach can’t do it for you. We made changes to strengthen the midfield, and once you have the ball, you must defend it. Clear it if you have to. It’s unfortunate the timing of that goal.

“We came here not to lose, and at some point, we were ahead. Maybe the players didn’t even expect to be ahead.”

Rivers United now sit third on the NPFL table with 27 points from 14 matches. They face Plateau United in a rescheduled fixture on Thursday.