By Our Correspondent in Port Harcourt
THE GARDEN CITY blossomed for the Pride of Rivers today as Rivers United secured a gritty 1-0 victory over rivals Enugu Rangers in a match defined by defensive discipline and a deafening home crowd.
The Yakubu Gowon Stadium (formerly the Liberation Stadium) was a sea of blue and white, vibrating with the energy of thousands of fans who saw their side reclaim bragging rights in this storied NPFL encounter.
From the first whistle, the venue acted as a 12th man, the tight confines of the Port Harcourt ground creating a pressure cooker atmosphere that clearly unsettled the visiting Flying Antelopes.
Despite a cagey first half where chances were as rare as a cool breeze in the Rivers heat, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 53rd minute. D. Sholumade proved to be the hero of the hour, pouncing on a loose ball to fire home from close range, sent the home stands into a state of absolute delirium.
Enugu Rangers, desperate to salvage a point, threw everything forward in the closing stages.
However, the Rivers United backline, marshaled by the tactical nous of Finidi George, stood like a fortress.
Every clearance was met with a roar from the Port Harcourt faithful, making it clear that the points were staying in the South-South.
The victory keeps Rivers United firmly in the hunt at the top of the table, while Rangers leave the Garden City wondering what might have been.
On a day where the football was fierce and the sun was relentless, the Yakubu Gowon Stadium remains a territory where few dare to tread and even fewer survive.
