Rivers United march on in Nigeria Professional Football League, as the Stanley Eguma tutored side overcame a resolute Rangers International FC 1-0 in a matchday 14 fixture at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium to climb back to the top of the log.
Nyima Nwagua grabbed the winner in the 62nd minute, his second goal of the current league campaign with Chijioke Akuneto providing the assist.
The Pride of Rivers got off to a flying start as they looked to break the deadlock early on and almost did so in the nineth minute. A miss timed catch by Rangers goalkeeper Seidu Mutawakilu off a corner kick by Ishaq Kayode was cleared out of danger by David Chimezie.
Few minutes later, Rivers United had a half chance when Nyima Nwagua found space to turn and shoot from the edge of the box but saw his effort miss target. With a half that saw few chances, Rivers United quickly moved on and reverted to their plan, as the made frantic effort to head into the break ahead.
Ishaq Kayode came close to scoring on 32 minutes with his favourite left foot but missed narrowly from 20 yards as 6 minutes later Morice Chukwu’s daisy cutter from a free kick brought out a fine save from Seidu Mutawakilu in goal for Rangers International to ensure both teams were tied after 45 minutes.
After the interval, things remained the same with the visitors looking very solid at the back and the host going in search of the games opener. Chijioke Akuneto tried his luck with a snapshot in the 52nd minute but agonizingly it went off target.
Then the magic moment of the game came in the 62nd minute when Nyima Nwagua was at the right place to tap home from close range a cross from Chijioke Akuneto after Morice Chukwu’s free kick hit the woodwork.
Rangers International looked for a response with their first effort on target in the game but United’s goalkeeper Sochima Victor stood between Elijah Ani and goal.
As the minutes ticked by, Rivers United kept a hold on their lead with Cameroonian Dennis Ndasi in fine form in the heart of defense. Rangers goalkeeper Seidu Mutawakilu did well to beat out a ferocious effort by Ishaq Rafiu from the edge of the box in the closing stages of the match as the Pride of Rivers sealed up the maximum points and go top of the NPFL table with 29 points.
