Rivers United survived a late surge to beat Doma United in the match day 20 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Pride of Rivers edge the Savannah Tigers 3-2 after a hattrick from Nwagua Nyima Nekabari in an enthralling encounter at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Porthacourt.
Nwagua opened score for the hosts 7 minutes into the encounter after Alex Oyowah's attempt on goal was saved.
Bidemi Owoku benefited from a defensive blunder to restore parity for the Gombe based team 2 minutes after the half hour mark as there was nothing to choose between the two sides at the end of the first half.
Rivers United regained their lead at the start of the second half as Nwagua headed the home side into the lead following a fine play by Deputy Echeta.
The former Kano Pillars man completed his hattrick to put the game beyond Doma United as he scored another header from a perfect Kazie Enyinnaya's cross to beat Kingdom Osayi.
Nwagua was later substituted for Yao Bernard a couple of minutes later as Doma United pushed to reduce the deficit which came 5 minutes to the end of the tie through Hillary Ekawu.
However, the hosts held on for the win which takes to them to the top half of the league standings.
Uche Dozie