NPFL: Rivers United returns to winning ways

Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu

Rivers United of Port Harcourt returned to winning ways in the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL after a three-one victory over Heartland Fc of Owerri at the Adokiye Amaesimakeka Stadium.

Godwin Aguda opened the scoring via penalty on the 19th minutes while Kazie Enyinnaya made it two in the 64th minute.

Shedrack Oghal of Heartland Fc reduced the tally in the 77th minute before Malachi Ohawume scored the third in the 85th minute to seal the victory for the ‘Pride of Rivers’.

With the victory, Rivers United still lead the NPFL with 12 points from five matches, (four wins and one loss).

Rivers United will now be looking forward to their CAF Confederation Cup tie fixtures against Bloemfontein Celtic of South Africa on 23rd January 2021.

The match will take place at the Stade Charles De Gaulles De Porto Novo, Benin Republic.

Rivers United won the first leg tie in South Africa two-nil.

The winner of the Rivers United/ Bloemfontein Celtic of South Africa will now face two-time CAF Champions League Champions Enyimba Fc of Aba in the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup competition.

In other NPFL results

Enyimba beat Kano Pillars 2-1 in a Nigeria Professional Football League matchday five encounters in Aba on Sunday.

Anayo Iwuala opened scoring for Enyimba In the 21st minute.

Gabriel Orok scored the second goal for Enyimba seven minutes from time following a through ball from Dayo Ojo while Fahad Usman reduced the deficit for Pillars four minutes from time curling home a brilliant free-kick.

At the Agege Stadium in Lagos, Mountain of Fire Ministries MFM held former champions Rangers to a 1-1 draw.

Ugochukwu Ugwuoke put Rangers ahead in the 23rd minute, while Muyiwa Balogun equalized for MFM six minutes later.

Lobi Stars ended Dakkada FC unbeaten run in the NPFL by inflicting a 2-1 defeat on the Uyo club in Makurdi.

Samuel Mathias scored the curtain-raiser for Lobi on 15 minutes, while Christian Ekong equalized for the visitors in the 70th minute.

Austine Ogunye netted the winner for the hosts from the spot in 90 minutes.

Abia Warriors picked their first point of the season after they were held to a 1-1 draw in Nnewi by FC IfeanyiUbah.

Christian Samuel put Abia Warriors ahead in the 19th minute, with Christian Molokwu equalizing for FC IfeanyiUbah 16 minutes from time.

Also on Sunday, Plateau United recorded their second win of the campaign thrashing Adamawa United 3-0.

Innocent Kingsley bagged a brace, while Amos Gyan scored the other goal.