Rivers United Digital | 16th November 2020
Rivers United defeated Bayelsa United 5-4 in a tension soaked penalty shoot-out at the Sharks Stadium to win the 2nd edition of the Governor Nyesom Wike preseason tournament for the first time after regulation time ended 1-1.
Christian Mizo’s header in the 51st minute put Bayelsa United on the brink of victory on away territory but Chika Godwin levelled things up with a bullet shot in the 78th minute before Theophilus Afelokai coolly converted the decisive spot-kick.
The tournament which gave Rivers United their greatest agony when they lost 1-4 on penalties to Sunshine Stars of Akure in the first edition has now delivered something to cheer about for their fans.
Bamba Bakari, Lookman Binuyo, Chika Godwin, Godwin Aguda and Theophilus Afelokai were all successful with their spot-kicks. Ebitimi Agogo, Favour Martins, Christian Mizo, Nonso Paul were all on target for Bayelsa United.
The momentum shifted decisively when Bayelsa United’s goalkeeper Ogunbiyi Isiaka sent his side’s fifth spot-kick to the high heavens to leave Rivers United on the brink and present Theophilus Afelokai with his moment of destiny.
GOVERNOR NYESOM WIKE FINAL SHOOT-OUT AS IT HAPPENED
Ebitimi Agogo (Bayelsa Utd) scored 1-0
Bamba Bakari (Rivers Utd) scored 1-1
Favour Martins (Bayelsa Utd) scored 2-1
Lookman Binuyo (Rivers Utd) scored 2-2
Christian Mizo (Bayelsa Utd) scored 3-2
Chika Godwin (Rivers Utd) scored 3-3
Nonso Paul (Bayelsa Utd) scored 4-3
Godwin Aguda (Rivers Utd) scored 4-4
Ogunbiyi Isiaka (Bayelsa Utd) missed 4-4
Theophilus Afelokai (Rivers Utd) scored 4-5
Theophilus Afelokai was calmness personified as he sent Ogunbiyi Isiaka the wrong way to spark wild scenes of elation among Rivers United’s players, staff and supporters.
RIVERS UNITED GOV WIKE TRIUMPH STATS
Rivers United are the first South-South club to claim the Gov Wike preseason tournament cup. The last edition was won by Sunshine Stars of Akure
Rivers United are the first team to win the tournament with their goalkeeper scoring two goals in open play.
Rivers United scored 9 goals and conceded 3 goals in the tournament.
Rivers United played 6 matches, winning 4, drawn 1 and lost only 1 game in the tournament.
Rivers United’s Technical Adviser Stanley Eguma led his team to win the trophy in his second attempt.
Rivers United has a winning General Manager in Chief Okey Kpalukwu
Full-Time Result:
Rivers United 1-1(5-4pen) Bayelsa United
