Port-Harcourt based club, Rivers United reclaimed the top spot in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Thursday with a commanding 2-0 victory over ten-man Shooting Stars Sports Club in Game week 7.
The Club coached by Former Super Eagles Coach, Finidi George broke the deadlock at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, in the second half with two headed goals from Aniekeme Okon and substitute, Ndifreke Effiong. Their closest competitors, Remo Stars, suffered a heavy 3-1 defeat to Plateau United in Jos.
The win came after Rivers captain, Temple Emekayi had missed a penalty in the first half, with Shooting Stars goalkeeper, Mustafa Lawal saving both of his attempts. Okon’s goal, five minutes after the break, calmed fans’ nerves, while Shooting Stars defender, Alex Aghahowa was sent off for a second yellow card in the second half, extending the Oluyole Warriors’ winless streak to four games.
Elsewhere, Remo Stars, who had been leading the table, were displaced after a 3-1 loss to Plateau United in Jos. Centre-back, Ebuka Anthony was the star man for Plateau, scoring twice and playing a key role in the third goal.
In other Thursday fixtures, Katsina United secured a 1-0 win over Akwa United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, with former Akwa player, Azeez Olamilekan Falolu scoring in the 34th minute. The result pushed Akwa United to 19th place.
Meanwhile, newly-promoted Ikorodu City managed a 1-1 draw against Heartland FC in Owerri. The away side took an early lead through Yusuf Salau’s header, but Heartland equalized in the 67th minute through a Chukwuma Agor long-range strike. Despite Ikorodu being reduced to ten men after Toyeeb Ajeyigbe’s late red card, Heartland couldn’t find a winner.
Bendel Insurance also cruised to a 3-0 win over Bayelsa United at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, with goals from Kayode Oke, Nnamdi Anthony, and Michael Enaruna sealing the win for Monday Odigie’s side.
