Defending Champions of the Nigeria Professional Football League, Rivers United have ended the 21-game unbeaten run of Bendel Insurance at the ongoing #NPFLSuperSix competition. Rivers United showed dominance as they pipped the Benin-baed team 2-1 at the Mobolaji on Friday at the Johnson Arena, Lagos – the sole venue for the competition.
Stanley Eguma’s side started the game the better side as they tried to get an early goal in the game. Both sides created decent chances in the opening half-hour of the game as they try to outwit each other under the harsh weather condition in Lagos which led to both teams observing a water break after 30 minutes.
However, after a couple of missed chances, the breakthrough came in added time of first half. Maurice Chukwu put the ball beyond the reach of the goalkeeper from a well-worked play by Rivers United.
Rivers United held on to their lead for the most part of the second half as they waded off all the attacking threats from Insurance. Divine Nwachukwu fired a long-range shot but it fell into the hands of Rivers United goalkeeper, Sochima Victor who has just been called up to the national team by Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro.
With few minutes left to play, Rivers United doubled their lead as Ukeme Williams found Joseph Onoja in space. The lanky striker made no mistake as he buried the ball into the net to make it 2 nil.
Divine Nwachukwu, Bendel Insurance’s brightest player in the match got a consolation for his team in added time but the team from Portharcourt held on to their lead to go top of the log momentarily. The midfielder has also been invited to the national team
Rivers United are now top of the standings with 8 points after 4 games. Enyimba are second with 5 points. The Aba Elephants will play Sunshine Stars later in the day.
