Nigeria, Feb. 9 -- Rivers United head coach Finidi George did not hide behind excuses after his side's CAF Champions League group stage 4-1 defeat in the clash against Pyramids FC of Egypt, played in Uyo.

Instead, the former Super Eagles winger offered a brutally honest assessment of a night that began with promise but ended in a harsh lesson against elite continental opposition.

Facing the defending CAF Champions League holders, Rivers United entered the tie carrying both the hopes of Nigerian club football and the weight of inexperience at this level. For 45 minutes, they matched ambition with execution. For the next 45, reality struck.

Reflecting on the contest, Finidi pointed first to a strong opening half where his side imposed th...