Rivers United once again returned to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) log on Thursday after an emphatic 2-0 win over ten-man Shooting Stars Sports Club, with their closest rivals Remo Stars soundly beaten by Plateau United in Jos, www.aclsports.com reports.
Playing at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, United saw off Gbenga Ogunbote’s Shooting Stars courtesy of two headed goals by Aniekeme Okon and substitute Ndifreke Effiong in the second half.
Finidi George’s wards missed an opportunity to go in front on the quarter hour mark when captain Temple Emekayi saw his twice taken penalty kick saved by Shooting Stars goalkeeper Mustafa Lawal but Okon’s opener came five minutes after the break to douse heightened anxiety among the fans.
Shooting Stars defender Alex Aghahowa was sent off for a second bookable offence in the second half as the Oluyole Warriors ended a fourth successive game without a win.
Rivers United leapfrogged Remo Stars at the top of the log after the Sky Blue Stars were handed a 3-1 defeat by hosts Plateau United in Jos. Centre back Ebuka Anthony was involved in all the goals, scoring twice and having a hand in the other.
In other games on Thursday, Katsina United edged Akwa United 1-0 at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium courtesy of a 34th minute goal by former Akwa midfielder Azeez Olamilekan Falolu. The result condemned Akwa United to 19th place on the log.
While Rivers United stay top of the table, sitting pretty at the bottom of the log are newly-promoted Ikorodu City who earned a remarkable point at slot-buying Heartland FC of Owerri. The Oga Boys took a shock lead in the game when Yusuf Salau headed home Waliu Ojetoye’s cross after four minutes.
The hosts equalised in the 67th minute when Chukwuma Agor’s long range effort flew past goalkeeper Oluwadamilare Aina. Emmanuel Amunike’s Heartland toiled but could not get the winner despite Ikorodu being reduced to ten men seven minutes from time after the dismissal of Toyeeb Ajeyigbe.
Earlier in the day, Bendel Insurance walloped Bayelsa United 3-0 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadaium, Benin City. Kayode Oke, Nnamdi Anthony and Michael Enaruna scored the goals for Monday Odigie’s side.
