Desmond Iwuchukwu
Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt has won the 2022 Rivers State FA Cup.
The ‘Pride of Rivers’ defeated Police Crime Busters’ FC 3-1 at Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium to win the title.
Two first-half goals from Chijioke Akuneto and Sikiru Olatunbosun and an 84th-minute intelligent chip by Malachi Ohawume gave the Pride of Rivers an unassailable 3 goals lead but a late flurry from the Police team only produce a consolation goal in added time that was not enough to stop United from claiming the Cup.
This victory extends Rivers United’s dominance in the Rivers State FA Cup – and importantly also means the club alongside Police Crime Bursters, will be representing Rivers State at the National stage of the AITEO Cup competition.
The newly crowned NPFL Champions, Rivers United will be in Ibadan on Sunday 10th July 2022 as guests to Shooting Stars FC in a matchday 37 tie.
Speaking to newsmen after the game, the Rivers United Technical Director Ndubuisi Nduka said the victory is a demonstration of their dominance in the competition.
He said the players showed character during the game which translated into their victory during the game.
”It has become an annual ritual for us and all of you expected to win, so we won. You know it’s a cup competition. You saw how the boys were fighting throughout the game, so we don’t talk about the standard, we talk about winning and we won the match”.
Ndubuisi Nduka further said that Rivers United is focused on making a big impact in the next season’s CAF Champions League.
He said that the team has been representing Nigeria on the continent for the past three seasons and will use their experience in the ongoing NPFL season to improve on their outing on the continent next season.
In his remarks, the Coach of Police Busters Coach ASP Douye Ghomorai blamed poor officiating for their loss to the newly crowned NPFL champions Rivers United in the FA Cup final.
He said his boys gave their best in the final.
