Former Nigeria Premier League Champions, Rivers United have qualified for the finals of the Naija Super 8 competition after a narrow but enthralling victory over Bendel Insurance.
Fans at the Eket Stadium in Akwa-Ibom were treated to a goals feast on Sunday as Rivers United stole a late victory to bring the keenly contested match to an end.
Being the most anticipated match of the competition given that Rivers United ended Bendel Insurance’s 21 matches unbeaten run at the Nigeria Premier League playoffs a few weeks ago, both sides started the game brightly as they made their intention of clinching the last automatic ticket known.
Rivers United took the lead as early as the 10th minute as Temple Emekoyi’s well-timed cross found Albert Korvah who volleys the ball into the net to make 1 nil in favor of Stanley Eguma’s side.
Bendel Insurance mounted some level of pressure on Rivers United’s defense and they eventually got a chance to level in the 36th minute but Eweka’s shot didn’t trouble Rivers United’s goalie.
However, the breakthrough came for Mark Odigie’s side as they were awarded a late penalty in the first half and Dede Moughara put the ball beyond Victor Sochima to make it one-all.
The second started with the same level of energy from both sides and it took just five minutes after restart for Rivers United to retire their lead. Albert Korvah received a pass in space and slotted a low drive towards goal to make it 2-1.
Rivers United took control of the game and they increased their lead by another goal but Nworie’s joy was cut short as his goal was ruled off for offside.
With 20 minutes to go, Bendel Insurance’s Okon Ini-Oblong scored what can be described as a contender for the prestigious Puskas Award as he buried a skilful volley from outside the box to make it 2-2.
@FIFAcom should also see this goal as it should be a contender for goal of the year award.
— RALPH Chidozie George (@ralphcgeorge) June 25, 2023
Ini-Obong of @BendelInsurance equalizing for his side against @RiversUnitedFC at the @ns8official #NaijaSuper8 playoffs in Eket.
Fantastic goal. pic.twitter.com/uLGWaUabHt
Both sides tried to find the winner as the game reached the final minutes going into penalties but it was Rivers United who edged it via a late penalty which was converted by Maurice Chukwu in added time of regular time.
Six teams have now qualified for the finals in Lagos which starts on the 7th of July. The six teams are: Remo Stars, Yobe Desert Stars, Katsina United, Enyimba FC, Rivers United and Lobi Stars.
Two teams will also qualify to play in the finals as wildcards. They will be selected by the organizers of the competition.
