Osita Chikere and Emeka Ogbugh struck in the first half as Rivers United beat Niger Tornadoes 2-0 in a keenly-fought Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match day 9 contest at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt on Sunday.
An expertly – delivered Bernard Ovoke corner kick on 17 minutes, was headed in by Osita Chikere to give the ‘Pride of Rivers’ a deserved lead at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium.
CHAN Eagles star Emeka Ogbugh, made his season’s debut, after helping Nigeria to a second-placed finish at the 2018 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in Morocco.
Ogbugh curled home a superb free kick in the 29th minute, just before the half hour to give a commanding lead going into the break.
Tornadoes, aesthetic in fits and starts, had their moments too, most notably in the 55th minute when Eric Frimpong beat the United offside trap to the consternation of the home faithful.
The attacker however made the wrong decision at the opportune moment, firing straight at Rivers United goalkeeper, Sunday Rotimi, who made himself big and narrowed the angle and made a fine save in exemplary fashion.
Rivers United, should have scored more in the second half but missed lots of chances to add some gloss to the eventual score line.
Coach Eguma expressed satisfaction afterwards in the post-match presser covered by theportcitynews.com
“This (victory) is a sign of good things to come. There is (an) improvement (in the team’s play) as we scored twice and missed so many other (scoring opportunities).
“Creating chances have never been a problem for us; it is our ability to put those chances away that have always been the issue.
“It happens in the home and away matches but I am happy that we were able to convert two today and I am optimistic that we will do better in subsequent games,” he said.
