Rivers United have escaped with all three points from an adrenaline-charged encounter against Excellent FC that wasn’t decided until the very last seven minutes.
An intense ninety minutes saw both sides come from behind, and there was plenty to celebrate in the Gov Wike Unity Cup game at the Sharks Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
The three points shot the Pride of Rivers to the top of Group B with four points from two games.
The opening exchanges gave fans at the Arena that the game will be a spectacle.
Both sides attacked in numbers and threw bodies forward.
The opening goal that the fan craved for arrived in the 28th minute as the rookies shocked the Premier League team.
A defence splitting pass by Prosper Ojonomare left Kelvin Onuwa in acres of space. The latter calmly picked his spot and dispatched past the helpless Akande Abiodun. 
Excellent FC almost scored a second as an unmarked Igani Boma struck into orbit from the edge of the area.
In the 38th minute, the Pride of Rivers almost equalised. Malachi Ohawume managed to direct a bicycle kick on target from eight yards but goalkeeper Oworde Emerh made a simple save.
United close again in the 40th minute. Waheed Adebayo drove in a snap shot that went inches wide.
The leveller arrived before half time. Adegbambo Ademeta crossed to the path of Malachi Ohawume who powered home a bullet header from close range despite the goalkeeper’s best effort to keep out the effort.
Like Oliver Twist, the fans wanted more in the second stanza.
It was Rivers United that heeded their call as they were awarded a penalty kick which was easily dispatched by Ademeta.
Excellent FC were soon back on level terms through an excellent goal, a free kick made in heaven!
The two sides continued to dish out entertainment to fans and dignitaries on ground.
Malachi was almost wheeling away in celebration as his fearsome goalbound strike was kept out in brilliant fashion by the Excellent FC goalkeeper.
The game headed into the last seven minutes, it looked like the spoils were going to be shared. But there was one more twist in this gripping tale to come.
Uche Martins headed home a bullet header beyond the stranded Emerh.
Three extraordinarily hard-earned points were in the bag – and United could all finally breathe again.
