By SCM Sports Desk I Monday, August 31, 2026
PORT HARCOURT — Finidi George’s star-studded Rivers United made a thunderous statement to kick off their 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) campaign, powering past Plateau United in a convincing 2-0 victory at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.
The Pride of Rivers wasted no time proving why they are tipped as heavy title contenders this season. From the opening whistle, the hosts asserted total domain over the midfield, controlling tempo and dictating play.
The electric atmosphere inside the stadium turned rapturous in just the 6th minute when star forward Abdulrasheed Dabai latched onto a brilliant, pinpoint assist from Chijioke Mbaoma to slot home the opening goal, putting Rivers United 1-0 up early.
Plateau United attempted to reset their defensive shape, but the relentless pressure from Rivers United proved overwhelming. The home side’s creative fluidity bore fruit once again in the 38th minute. Wasiu Falolu showcased sheer instinct inside the penalty box, striking a precise shot past the Plateau keeper to double the advantage heading into the halftime break.
The second period saw Finidi George’s men manage the two-goal cushion with tactical maturity. Plateau United struggled to mount any meaningful response against a resilient Rivers backline, failing to record a shot on target across the final 45 minutes.
Rivers United comfortably saw out the remainder of the contest to lock up a clean sheet, a 2-0 scoreline, and all three points to kick off their season.
Across the 90 minutes of action, Rivers United established complete tactical superiority over Plateau United. The host side dominated game tempo, generating two crucial first-half goals from their two clear-cut chances created in the 6th and 38th minutes.
Rivers United went into the interval holding a 2-0 advantage after limiting Plateau United to zero shots on target and zero goals across the opening 45 minutes.
During the second half, Rivers United maintained structural control without conceding a single goal, ensuring the match concluded in a 2-0 full-time result. In total, Rivers United recorded two goals scored, zero goals conceded, and secured three points in the league standings. Conversely, Plateau United ended their Matchday 1 fixture with zero goals scored, two goals conceded, and zero points earned on the road.
Speaking after the final whistle, Rivers United Technical Adviser Finidi George praised his team’s focus and discipline. “I feel very happy with the performance,” Finidi stated, highlighting his squad’s bravery and efficiency on opening day as they set their sights firmly on the NPFL crown.
