Port Harcourt, Nigeria, August 12, 2016 – An inspired second half display by Rivers United was enough to see them power past Ikorodu United 2-0 in a rescheduled Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) game decided on Friday in Port Harcourt.
Two goals in seven minutes from Idris Aloma and Onyekachi Okafor proved decisive as the ‘Pride of Rivers’ consolidated on third place in the NPFL.
Aloma’s deflected free kick, four minutes after the restart gave United the lead which was doubled in the 56th minute through Okafor who left highest in a crowded penalty area to head past the Ikorodu United goalkeeper, Adamu Azeez. The game which originally commenced on Thursday was temporarily halted in the 37th minute following heavy rains which rendered the playing surface at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium water logged.
Upon resumption on Friday, Rivers United started on the front foot but Guy Kuemian and Chinonso failed to make hay when presented with gilt-edged opportunities in the latter periods of the opening half.
Ikorodu United attempted to hurl themselves back into the contest after going two goals down but were denied by resolute Rivers United defending, impressive goal keeping by Sunday Rotimi and at times, profligacy by their forwards.
The visitors’ best chance at halving the deficit arrived in the final minute of additional time when Moughara Dede’s effort clattered against the crossbar with Rotimi completely beaten. Ikorodu United’s head coach, Shakiru Giwa praised the victors for their success and described them as ‘potential champions’ of the NPFL.
“It wasn’t a bad game. We tried our best but we played a good side. I believe that is football. Rivers United is a good side; they possess the ball very and they are potential champions (of the NPFL), he told Rivers United Media after the game.
The Rivers United technical manager, Stanley Eguma also addressed the media after the win on Friday.
“The rain almost affected our plans but we made a substitution in the first half which paid off. The victory is good for the team and it keeps us alive in our quest to win the NPFL title this season,” he said. Rivers United still remain in third place on the NPFL standings with 47 points from 28 matches while Ikorodu United stay stuck on 19th spot with 18 points from 26 matches.
