Rivers United head coach/technical manager Finidi George guided his side to earn a point at his former employers, Enyimba in one of Sunday’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixtures.
The ended goalless as neither side was able to convert the goal-scoring opportunities in a draw that keeps the situation at the top of the table very close.
Ubong Friday and Taiwo AbdulRafiu had half chances in the first half, and Okon Aniekeme was denied late on, before Enyimba FC finished the game strongly.
In the end, Rivers United held on for their first point away to the People’s Elephant since 2023 and stopped the hosts from scoring at home for the second time this season.
CAGEY FIRST HALF
The hosts started quickly and looked to pin us back in the opening exchanges, but it was Ubong Friday who had the first half chance.
AbdulRafiu’s long throw-in fell for Friday inside the box, but he scuffed his shot just wide of the near post.
Enyimba had a close-range header from a corner cleared on the line by Stephen Manyo, and they continued to dominate possession.
AbdulRafiu, who made a return to the left-back position, had Rivers United’s next chance. Wasiu Falolu was able to orchestrate in the middle of the pitch, and the ball fell to AbdulRafiu, who shifted past the defender but shot wide.
At the other end, Chidera Michael got his head to a dangerous-looking cross late in the half, but could only direct it wide under pressure from Manyo and Ogechukwu Ogbu.
But overall, it was a fairly cautious first 45 minutes from both sides, and whereas Rivers United dominated the opening 25 minutes, it was Enyimba FC who enjoyed more possession in the latter stages, and in terms of chances, there was nothing between the sides.
NO BREAKTHROUGH
Finidi was forced to bring on Noble John at the break following an injury to Osagie Onisodumeya, but it was the hosts who sent a long-range effort wide early after the restart before they looked to raise the tempo.
Wasiu Falolu was leading the way and released Wisdom Samuel just outside the area.
His low cross went all the way through the six-yard box and just ahead of the sliding Biokpo, who would have had a tap-in at the far post.
Stanley Eguma introduced Nzube Bruno and Joseph Abiodun for the last half hour, and Finidi George responded by bringing on both Omaka Anthony and Okon Aniekeme.
Rivers United had to defend in numbers inside their own box, with Noble John making two crucial saves. As the game entered the final 15 minutes, Rivers United made a succession of blocks, and it was all hands to the pump. Timothy Zachariah came on to provide a fresh leg in front, but it was the hosts who finished strongly.
In the end, both teams took a point each that ensured they are unbeaten in the league so far this season.