Rivers United F.C. maintained their strong momentum in the race for a second Nigeria Premier Football League title with an impressive 3–1 victory over Bendel Insurance F.C. at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.
In a contest that began cautiously, both sides battled for control throughout a tense first half that ended without goals. However, the Pride of Rivers returned from the break with greater urgency and eventually found the breakthrough that shifted the momentum of the match.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 53rd minute when former league top scorer Chijioke Mbaoma rose above the Bendel Insurance defence to power home a brilliant header from a perfectly delivered corner kick by Iyowuna Douglas. The goal ignited the home crowd and gave Rivers United the control they had been searching for.
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Rivers United continued to push forward with confidence, and their pressure paid off again in the 81st minute. Iyowuna Douglas once more proved decisive, providing another precise assist that allowed Wisdom Samuel to fire past the goalkeeper and double the hosts’ advantage.
Bendel Insurance attempted to mount a late response and pulled one back in the 89th minute, briefly raising tension inside the stadium as the visitors searched for an unlikely comeback.
But Rivers United quickly extinguished those hopes. Just a minute later, Samson Obi reacted fastest to finish from a rebound off Seyi Oguntayo’s effort, restoring the two goal cushion and sealing a convincing 3–1 victory for the league leaders.
The win keeps Rivers United firmly at the summit of the NPFL table and strengthens their push for another league crown. With two games still in hand, they now hold a narrow two point advantage over Rangers International F.C., who recorded a 4–1 victory over reigning champions Remo Stars F.C. in Enugu.
With momentum on their side and the title race intensifying, Rivers United continue to show the determination and attacking quality required to remain at the top.
