Rivers United squeeze past Rangers 1-0 to reclaim top spot
…As Akwa Utd edge local rivals Dakkada in five-goal thriller Rivers United have returned to the top of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) table after battling to a 1-0 win over Enugu Rangers in yesterday’s NPFL week 14 match played at the Yakubu Gowon stadium in Port-Harcourt. After a barren first half, Nyima Nwagua […]
Rivers United diminutive winger, Esor Nelson (R) tries to dribble past Alkasim Deji of Dakkada FC during their week 10 match at the Yakubu Gowon stadium in Port-Harcourt
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…As Akwa Utd edge local rivals Dakkada in five-goal thriller
Rivers United have returned to the top of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) table after battling to a 1-0 win over Enugu Rangers in yesterday’s NPFL week 14 match played at the Yakubu Gowon stadium in Port-Harcourt.
After a barren first half, Nyima Nwagua broke the deadlock in the 61st minute to ensure the ‘Pride of Rivers’ nicked the maximum points.
The former Kano Pillars burly striker tapped home from close range after Morice Chukwu’s free-kick hit the woodwork and fell nicely to him.
Although Rivers United are on top of the table with 29 points, they may return to second position, if Plateau United who are on 27 points will pick up a win on the road at Gombe United on Wednesday.
In Uyo, champions Akwa United fought back to defeat local rivals, Dakkada FC 3-2 to record back-to-back victories after their 1-0 away win at Remo Stars.
Femi Ajayi put Dakkada in front in the 17th minute but Samuel Amadi equalised for the hosts in the 30th minute from the spot after he was upended in the box by an opposing defender.
On resumption of the second half, Akwa United’s Brazilian import, Wisdom Fernando benefitted from a perfect delivery from Ubong Essien to put the champions ahead in the 51st minute, substitute Ezekiel Bassey increased the tally in the 75th minute following a swift solo move but four minutes later, Dakkda’s Rivio Ayemwenre skipped past two defenders, before drilling past goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka to reduce the deficit for the visitors.
In the other matches, an early goal by Abdul Taofeek handed Sunshine Stars a slim 1-0 victory over Kwara United in Ilorin while Wikki Tourists forced 3SC to a barren draw in Ibadan.
The remaining week 14 matches will be played today as Lobi Stars host Remo Stars in Makurdi, Kano Pillars battle Abia Warriors in Kaduna, Heartland travel to Katsina United while Nasarawa United seek revival at home against north-central rivals Niger Tornadoes.