Rivers United have extended dominance in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) after they defeated their closest rivals and title contender, Plateau United, 2-0 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The game, more of NPFL22 title-deciding cracker, following the rivalry between both teams for the trophy, saw the Pride of Rivers extend a seven-point lead to ten to further reassure Plateau United that they are up to the task ahead.
The Pride of Rivers after the matchday31 win, need a maximum of four wins from seven games to coast home the NPFL22 league trophy.
Last NPFL’s season, Rivers United on matchday30 defeated Plateau United 3-1 and this season was merely a reminder to the visitors that Adokiye Amiesimaka is a fortress that can only fall to an unfortuitous circumstance.
Prior to the game, coach Stanley Eguma made two changes in the team that played against Dakkada FC with Sochima Victor and Fabian Nworie replacing Darlington Ovunda and Temple Emekayi respectively.
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The Pride of Rivers got the first goal 12 minutes to the additional time of the first half by Chijioke Akuneto who recorded his 13th goal of the season and rounded the win with a brace 8 minutes to the 90′ to send shivers in the spines of the visitors.
Consequently, River United after the victory, stressed that the win is a huge psychological boost to the team as the visitors will have to go extra mile if they wish to cut down the lead.
Meanwhile, Plateau United, after a stunning 4-0 win against Enugu Rangers in matchday30 fixture at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, said the odds against Rivers United were unfavourable but are prepared for the task.
“After mesmerizing and flabbergasting @rangersint 4-nil yesterday, we are already lacing our boots and getting ready for the next task against @RiversUnitedFC.
We know the odds are stacked against us but we remain resolute. See you in Port Harcourt against Wike Boys on Wednesday,” Plateau United tweeted.
The Trumpet reports that coach Eguma has continued to play down the assumption that
Rivers United have won the trophy insisting that they will process the remaining matches like a final.
Maurice Chukwu was named the ‘Man of the Match’.
In the next fixture, matchday32, the Pride of Rivers travel to Bauchi to take on Wikki Tourists while Plateau United host Kano Pillars in Jos on Sunday, June 5 2022.
