Rivers, Akwa United beat Enyimba, Heartland in friendlies

Southern sides Rivers United and Akwa United on Tuesday enjoyed wins over Enyimba and Heartland respectively as Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) sides continue preparations for the unknown commencement of the 2023/2024 league season, www.aclsports.com reports.

Playing at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, former league champions Rivers United defeated their hosts and reigning Champions Enyimba 2-0 in their a game that serves twin purpose of preparing the Pride of Rivers for their CAF Confederation Cup assignment this weekend.

Rivers United goalkeeper Abiodun Akande made a save from the penalty spot in the first half to keep the scoreline level at the break before his side emerged stronger of the two teams in the second half with the introduction of Alex Oyowah and Paul Odeh.

It was Oyowah who set up the first goal when he placed it on a plate for Ivorian forward Bernard Yao Kouassi just after the hour mark before Oyowah got involved again as Rivers United captain Nyima Nwagua scored in stoppage time to give his side a deserved win over out-of-sorts Enyimba.

In Uyo, Akwa United secured a rare friendly win when they beat Heartland FC 1-0 in the match decided at the training pitch of the Nest of Champions. United head coach Fatai Osho continued to test his myriad of new acquisitions by giving minutes to as many as twenty players in the game.

The game’s only goal came just after half time through former Dakkada striker Edidiong Ezekiel who was one of the nine probables that came on at half time. The likes of centre backs Wisdom Ifiok Ndon and Ebuka Anthony as well as midfielder Ubong Essien and left back Philip David all came on at half time.

Heartland went close to an equaliser midway through the second half but goalkeeper Nurudeen Badmos, also from Dakkada FC thwarted them with a smart double save as Akwa United held on for the win.

Nigerian teams continue to prepare even if the resumption date of the new league season remain unknown especially as the NPFL Board has remained tight-lipped about it.