Rivers United fell to a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Kwara United on Sunday at the Kwara Stadium Complex, with goals from Samad Kadiri and Jide Fatokun handing The Afonja Warriors all three points despite an early goal from Nelson Esor.
The Pride of Rivers had the task of overcoming underarm strategy employed by Kwara United which was orchestrated by their Chairman Mr Kumbi in his desperation to win at all cost as they prevented the Rivers United team contingent from gaining access into the stadium, forced to do part of their warm-up at the car pack and further physical attack on club officials.
Upon arrival of the Kwara FA Chairman, players and officials of Rivers United were granted access into the stadium at about 30 minutes to kick off including the match officials.
Rivers United got off to a good start when Nelson Esor three minutes into the encounter tapped in a Joseph Onoja’s cross from close range after Kwara United goalkeeper Dele Aiyenugba had fumbled a corner kick from Ebube Duru.
The Stanley Eguma tutored side almost doubled their advantage moments later when a goal bound move was abruptly cut short when Referee Nasiru Suleiman from Sokoto state called for offside without recourse to his assistant who had his flag down and this obvious questionable calls continued in key moments of the game.
A defensive mix up in the 57th minutes gifted Samad Kadiri who leveled scores for the host before there was to be further anguish for the visitors. Jide Fatokun rose highest to head pass Sochima Victor and double Kwara United’s lead in the 75th-minute.
The final few minutes of the game burst into life as Joseph Onoja agonizingly watched his header miss target by inches out
With five added minutes, Rivers United pushed and pushed but couldn’t quite find enough to level the game and avoid only their third defeat this season in the Nigeria Professional Football League.
The final whistle was greeted with another round of physical attack by some un uniformed home supporters who descended heavily on Rivers United.
The team was further held hostage inside the dressing room for a long period and one of their Coaches was attacked as the team eventually filed out into the team bus.
Rivers United stay top in the Nigeria Professional Football League after 26 matches, 4 points ahead of Plateau United.
The games keep on coming for Rivers United as they play host to MFM FC this weekend.
