Desmond Iwuchukwu
Nyima Nwagua’s strike made all the difference as Rivers United chalked up a 1-0 win away from home in the Nigeria Professional Football League.
The energetic forward took advantage of a floppy play from Pillars goalkeeper Idris Ibrahim to seal victory for Stanley Eguma’s side at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna,
Rivers United started the faster of the two sides, with a dangerous low ball from Ishaq Kayode threatening the Pillars goal as Chijioke Akuneto forced Ibrahim into action.
The hosts threatened sparingly. Sa’idu Salisu came close to scoring from a corner before Rabiu Ali’s strike was saved by Sochima Victor.
The second half brought more opportunities for the Sai Masu Gida side than the first, with Sochima Victor forced into action to deny a powerful strike from Rabiu Ali.
The key moment came in the 70th minute when former Kano Pillars forward Nyima Nwagua took advantage of the goalkeeper’s howler to slot home what proved to be the match-winner.
Frustration grew in the ground as Salisu Yusuf’s side attempted to battle their way back into the game.
Despite a late spell of pressure and a couple of forced nervy moments, the back four of the Pride of Rivers consisting of Kazie Eyinnaya, Ebube Duru, Fabian Nworie, and man of the match Cameroon import Dennis Ndasi stood firm in the face of waves of Pillars attacks.
With the victory Rivers United remains on top of the NPFL log with 35 points from 16 matches one point ahead of Plateau United.
The team will next face Shooting Stars 3SC of Ibadan on Sunday 6th March 2022 by 4pm Nigerian time at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.
Meanwhile, the Technical Manager of Rivers United Stanley Eguma despite their one-nil victory on the road against Kano Pillars, the tactician said the league is not theirs yet.
Stanley Eguma during the post-match press conference said the team will keep working hard till the end of the season.
According to him, ”the league is still on. It’s not the end of the league. We won today, that’s fine but we expect to do better for other games. Because other teams are coming. We’ll keep working hard by planning and preparing for the next game”.
