“We didn’t get it right” — Bayelsa United boss admits, hails Rivers United after derby win

Bayelsa United secured a vital victory in the latest South-South derby, defeating Rivers United in a tense Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 28 encounter over the weekend.

A single own goal in the 13th minute was enough to separate the two sides in Yenagoa.

This result marks the fourth consecutive league win for the Restoration Boys over their Port Harcourt rivals, continuing a dominant streak that spans two seasons.

Meremu Okara Reflects on Bayelsa United Tactical Struggle

Despite the win, Bayelsa United head coach Meremu Okara was honest about his team’s performance.

The hosts struggled to find their usual rhythm against a determined Rivers United side that pushed hard for an equaliser.

Reflecting on the narrow escape and the pressure of the derby, Okara stated:

“I’m very relieved because if I consider the way we played, we really didn’t come to the party today. I must confess that, especially in the first half. In the second half, we picked up a bit to give them a fight.

I always know that this is a local derby, and it’s going to be very tough considering the fact that we always win them.”

Rivers United Pressure Fails to Break Restoration Boys

The visiting team, led by Finidi George, entered the match with momentum after recently snapping a winless streak. They controlled large portions of the game, looking for a way back after the early defensive error.

Okara acknowledged the intensity brought by Rivers United, noting their hunger throughout the ninety minutes.

“They want to come and give everything, and I can see that they really gave all they have. But we were able to contain them, and when that goal came, we tried to see how, because they were more hungry to get the goal, we tried to see how we can counter them.

In one or two cases, the chance to counter them came, but we really didn’t get it right. But it’s okay; three points is all that matters.”

With this win, Bayelsa United moves up to 14th place with 34 points, successfully climbing out of the immediate danger zone.

Meanwhile, the Pride of Rivers remains in a strong title-contending position in second place with 46 points, holding three games in hand.

When asked if the goal was simply survival or something greater, Okara set his sights higher:

“For now, let’s take it one at a time. We just have to be picking our points. If we can get us to somewhere reasonable, why not? But I would like the team to end from above ten; I mean, before ten. From nine going down, that’s what we’re pursuing.

But if we get to somewhere reasonable, why not? If we win three or four games, why not? We have won this one; it’s important for us to go out and see if we can get something and come back.”