The recent 1-0 victory for Rivers United over Abia Warriors in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has been marred by controversy. The win, which came courtesy of a penalty converted by Ndifreke Effiong in the 58th minute, has sparked intense debate over the legitimacy of the penalty award.
The match, played at the Adokie Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, was a high-stakes encounter for Rivers United. The team was desperate to break their four-match winless streak, and the pressure on Coach Finidi George was palpable. As the match unfolded, the tension was evident, with both teams creating scoring opportunities.
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However, the turning point came in the 58th minute when Effiong converted the penalty, securing a vital win for Rivers United. The win has propelled Rivers United to the top of the NPFL table, but the controversy surrounding the penalty has left a sour taste in the mouths of Abia Warriors and their fans.
Abia Warriors’ manager, Imama Amapakabo, had expressed concerns about Rivers United’s desperation for points before the match, suggesting that it could compromise fair play. The accusations of desperation leveled against Rivers United imply that the team may have been overly aggressive in their pursuit of points, potentially influencing the referee’s decision to award the penalty.
Abia Warriors’ manager, Imama Amapakabo, was scathing in his criticism of the match officials, expressing his concerns about the treatment his team received during the game. Amapakabo had voiced his reservations before the match, suggesting that Rivers United’s desperation for points could compromise fair play.
The Abia Warriors’ boss lamented the prevalence of desperation in Nigerian football, arguing that it creates an unhealthy environment where the principles of fair play are often sacrificed. Amapakabo’s comments have added fuel to the ongoing debate about the need for improved officiating and sportsmanship in the NPFL.
“I told my team that I didn’t want to come for this game because I knew that we were coming to play against a desperate team,” he told the media after the game. “It’s unhealthy for Nigerian football where you play against desperate teams.”
He further questioned the incident that led to the penalty.
Let’s discuss the incident before the end of the first half – was it a penalty? Let us also discuss the first 10 minutes of the second half, was it a penalty? These are questions that I need to ask after reviews of these situations.”
“Unfortunately, I dont have the privilege of having to see these situations i talked about,” he added. “But then, the game has come, it has ended Rivers United won, lessons to be learnt for all of us here.”
In other NPFL news;
Katsina United secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Remo Stars, thanks to a strong second-half performance. Midfielder Azeez Falolu opened the scoring with his fourth goal of the season, and Boslam Dawi sealed the win with a second goal, propelling the Chanji Boys to a much-needed triumph.
In another match, Shooting Stars SC (3SC) edged Bayelsa United 1-0 in Ibadan, courtesy of Anthony Okachi’s second goal in consecutive games. Okachi’s strike proved to be the decisive factor, as 3SC claimed all three points.
Meanwhile, in Jos, Plateau United capitalized on a 51st-minute own goal by Nasarawa United’s Shina Kumater and a late penalty from Olawale Doyeni to condemn Nasarawa United to their seventh defeat of the season. This loss sent Nasarawa United plummeting to the bottom of the table.
The relegation battle is heating up, with several teams embroiled in a fierce struggle to avoid the drop. After 13 matches, Bendel Insurance and Akwa United are tied on 12 points each, while Lobi Stars sit narrowly above them with 13 points. Nasarawa United, meanwhile, finds itself at the foot of the table, facing an uphill task to escape the relegation zone.
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