Rivers United has moved to the top of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, table after a clash resulting in a 2-1 win over Akwa United the 2021 champions, at Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Sunday.
Ndfireke Effiong, former Akwa United striker was reportedly the nemesis of his former club, as he marked his return to the league with the matchwinner in the 85th minute for the Pride of Rivers.
However, Finidi George’s side took the lead in the 32nd minute thanks to Stephen Manyo, but their visitors pegged them back immediately after the restart through Friday Akpollos.
After leaving Akwa United in January 2023 for stints in Iraq and Morocco, Ndfireke edged the lead goal with five minutes left on the clock.
Coach Finidi commended his opponent for putting up a hard-fight throughout the encounter.
Speaking in a post-match interview, Coach Finidi said:“It was a difficult three points,”
“Akwa United came in here to fight and see how they could get a draw, so we must commend them for putting in that effort," he remarked.
“It’s not easy, but at the end of the day, we got those three points.”
The win, however, powered Rivers to the summit of the NPFL table, with 13 points after five games.
A contributory factor to Rivers United ascendancy was Remo Stars’ 1-0 defeat to Kwara United in Ilorin, as Daniel Ogunmodede’s team were beaten for the first time this season.
Shola Abdulraheem’s 56th-minute goal helped secure the home team’s first win of the season, which in turn halted Remo’s perfect run.
Furthermore, Remo’s defeat means only Rivers United and El-Kanemi Warriors are still unbeaten in the Nigerian topflight this season.
On the other hand, in Owerri, Emmanuel Amuneke has reportedly grabbed his first win in charge of Heartland, beating Niger Tornadoes 2-0 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, with both goals coming off the foot of Michael Ogu.
Meanwhile, In Jos, Vincent Temitope scored a stunning bicycle kick goal for Plateau United, who edged new boys Ikorodu City 1-0.
However, the defeat leaves the newly promoted side swimming deep in the relegation waters at the bottom of the table, with just a point so far this season.
Kazeem Ogunleye has returned from his one-game suspension to fire champions Rangers International to a 1-0 victory over Abia Warriors in an Oriental derby at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.
Moving on, in Aba, the Enyimba team were on their way to an emphatic win over Katsina United, before the live game was disrupted by floodlights malfunctioning.
People’s Elephant scored 3-0 with less than 15 minutes still to play before the game was out on hold. However, the win would be enough to place them second in the table with 12 points.
