An 88th-minute header from Timothy Zechariah provided a reprieve for ex-international and Rivers United coach Finidi George as they ended an unwanted run of five games without a win, beating Lobi Stars 1-0 in Port Harcourt on Sunday.
Zechariah broke the bottom-placed Lobi’s resilience in the closing stages of the game and gave his side some hope of reviving their title challenge. They are now in third with 38 points from 23 matches, 10 points behind leaders Remo Stars.
Before the clash, Rivers United’s last win was against Kwara United last December, enduring three draws and two defeats which saw them lose ground in the title race.
Elsewhere, Akwa United also returned to winning ways after a slim 2-1 win over visiting Enyimba FC in a match-day 23 NPFL encounter in Uyo.
The duo of Ogunleye Olayemi and Uche Sabastine were on the scoresheet to hand the Promise Keepers their first win in five games. Issah Mohammed’s goal for Enyimba was not enough to get the People’s Elephant something at the Nest of Champions.
Despite the win, the 2021 champions are still in the relegation zone with 23 points after 23 games.
Abia Warriors ran out 3-0 victorious over Sunshine Stars at the Umuahia Township Stadium, sending the Akure side into the drop zone while the Warriors climbed up to fourth.
An own goal from Chidozie Iwundu got things off for Abia Warriors in the first half before more goals from Antoine Ijoma and Samuel Ogunjimi sealed the win.
In Lagos, Shola Adelani headed home the winner as new boys Ikorodu City FC came from a goal down to beat Kwara United 2-1 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
The hosts were stunned inside two minutes by a Junior Aimufua goal before Toyeeb Ajeyigbe levelled matters five minutes later. Adelani proved pivotal to Nurudeen Aweroro’s side once again, scoring the winner in the 64th minute off a pass from Austin Harrison.
Niger Tornadoes and Plateau United shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw while champions Rangers International held Bayelsa United to a barren draw in Yenagoa.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
