By Our Sports Correspondent
PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA — Rivers United cemented their formidable home record with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over a determined Warri Wolves side yesterday, a result that further underscores the burgeoning reputation of their home ground, the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, as a veritable fortress.
The majestic 40,000-capacity arena in Port Harcourt provided a stunning backdrop to the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) encounter, showcasing world-class facilities rarely seen across the continent. Built to host major international fixtures, the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium proved pivotal, its atmosphere seemingly willing the home team to overcome an early setback.
Warri Wolves stunned the home crowd by taking the lead just two minutes into the game. However, the momentary shock was quickly absorbed by the vibrant energy pouring from the stands of the Pride of Rivers’ magnificent home.
Rivers United’s talisman, Godwin Aguda, restored parity in the 23rd minute, slotting home a well-worked move to ensure the teams went into the break level.
The second half became a tense battle, with Warri Wolves holding firm, but the relentless pressure applied by Rivers United, buoyed by the vast, modern stadium environment, eventually paid off.
Aguda was the hero again, completing his brace in the 61st minute to secure the decisive goal.
The result moves Rivers United up the league table, and coach Stanley Eguma was quick to acknowledge the importance of their arena.
“Playing here, at a ground like the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, gives the players a lift,” he stated after the match.
“The quality of the pitch and the sheer scale of the venue reflect the ambition of this club. It was a tough game against a very good Wolves side, but the character we showed, especially here at home, secured the points.”
The Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, with its state-of-the-art infrastructure, is increasingly becoming an emblem of Nigerian football’s potential, providing a stage worthy of the quality on display in the NPFL. For Rivers United, it remains the spiritual and tactical centre of their campaign.
