Rivers United cemented their place at the top of the pile in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after securing a 1-0 win over Rangers International on Sunday.
The Pride of Rivers had to dig deep to see off Rangers at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.
In the opening moments, Rivers United winger Aniekeme Okon came close to scoring on 16 minutes but was stopped by goalkeeper George Abine.
It was a tight contest into the break until centre-back Boluwaji David Sholumade headed Finidi George’s side in front seven minutes into the second half.
Rangers pressed for the equalizer and thought Finidi’s team had been undone when they scored late but referee Moukhtar Bashir ruled it out for an infringement.
Sholumade’s goal proved enough to see Rivers United go four points at the top ahead of second-placed Abia Warriors who have 33 points.
BIG RESULTS ON THE ROAD
Abia Warriors won their fourth match on the road when they stunned Plateau United at the New Jos Stadium 1-0.
Taheer Abubakar’s goal on 68 minutes made sure Imama Amapakabo’s team won back-to-back matches on the road and placed them as the side with most away wins so far this season.
El-Kanemi Warriors and Katsina United joined Abia Warriors as the teams that won on the road in this matchweek.
Sadiq Mohammed’s goal on the stroke of halftime at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa helped El-Kanemi to a 1-0 win over Bayelsa United.
Katsina United also won by the odd goal at Kun Khalifat FC through Richard Christopher’s 39th minute goal.
KANO PILLARS OUT OF BOTTOM SPOT
Kano Pillars were commanding on return to their Sani Abacha Stadium home ground with a 3-0 win against Nasarawa United.
Mustapha Umar (23’), Chiedozie Okorie (68′) and Jibrin Mustapha (72′) scored for Sai Masu Gida who finally move out of bottom position in the standings for the first time in 71 days since October 19.
DERBY DELIGHT FOR IKORODU CITY
Ikorodu City did not only claim the bragging rights in the Southwest Derby against champions Remo Stars but also played themselves into the top-three with a 1-0 win.
Odinaka Alfred fired in absolute cracker from 25 yards to beat Remo Stars goalkeeper Kolimba Alladoum five minutes before halftime. The win is City’s first triumph over Remo Stars in the NPFL.
Abdulaziz Dalhatu and Rickson Mendos netted in Niger Tornadoes’ 2-0 win over Barau FC at the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna.
Chinedu Ufere, Edidiong Ezekiel and Chidera Michael scored a goal each as Enyimba overran Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) 3-0 in Aba. The tide of the game would have been different when Enyimba led by a goal but Gbolagade Adelowo missed a spot kick on 51 minutes.
Warri Wolves and Wikki Tourists shared the points in a four-goal thriller at the Southern Delta University Stadium in Ozoro.
Ezekiel Oroh and Seyi Mayi scored for Wolves while Imamu Bala accounted for Wikki’s two goals.
A day earlier, Bendel Insurance saw off Kwara United 2-0 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City through goals from Emmanuel Akpan (19′) and Kayode Oke (42′).
The second round of the NPFL will resume on January 14 while the second transfer window opens on New Year’s Day and runs till January 31.