An 88th-minute header from Timothy Zechariah provided much-needed relief for ex-international and Rivers United coach, Finidi George, as his side ended a five-match winless streak with a 1-0 victory over Lobi Stars in Port Harcourt on Sunday, writes Nigeriasoccernet.com.
Zechariah’s late goal finally broke bottom-placed Lobi Stars’ resilience, reviving Rivers United’s fading title ambitions. The victory lifts them to third place on the NPFL table with 38 points from 23 matches, though they remain 10 points adrift of league leaders Remo Stars.
Before this match, Rivers United’s last league victory came against Kwara United in December, followed by a frustrating run of three draws and two defeats that saw them slip down the standings.
Akwa United Secure Crucial Win, Abia Warriors Dominate Sunshine Stars
Elsewhere, Akwa United also returned to winning ways with a 2-1 home victory over Enyimba FC in their matchday 23 NPFL clash in Uyo. Ogunleye Olayemi and Uche Sabastine found the net to hand the Promise Keepers their first win in five matches, while Issah Mohammed’s goal for Enyimba was not enough to salvage a result at the Nest of Champions.
Despite securing three points, Akwa United remain in the relegation zone, sitting 18th on the log with 23 points from 23 games.
At the Umuahia Township Stadium, Abia Warriors ran out 3-0 winners against Sunshine Stars, condemning the Akure-based club to the drop zone while moving up to fourth place. An own goal from Chidozie Iwundu opened the scoring for the Warriors before Antoine Ijoma and Samuel Ogunjimi sealed the commanding victory.
Ikorodu City FC Stage Comeback, Tornadoes & Plateau United Share Spoils
In Lagos, newly promoted side Ikorodu City FC staged a comeback to defeat Kwara United 2-1 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
The visitors took a shock second-minute lead through Junior Aimufua, but Toyeeb Ajeyigbe equalized just five minutes later. Shola Adelani then secured the win for Nurudeen Aweroro’s side in the 64th minute, converting a well-timed pass from Austin Harrison.
Meanwhile, Niger Tornadoes and Plateau United settled for a 1-1 draw, while defending champions Rangers International played out a goalless stalemate against Bayelsa United in Yenagoa.
Matchday 23 Results
Niger Tornadoes 1-1 Plateau United
Abia Warriors 3-0 Sunshine Stars
Akwa United 2-1 Enyimba Int'l
Bayelsa United 0-0 Rangers Int'l
Rivers United 1-0 Lobi Stars
Ikorodu City 2-1 Kwara United
Katsina United 1-0 Heartland FC Shooting Stars 1-0 Bendel Insurance Elkanemi 1-0 Nasarawa United Remo Stars 2-1 Kano Pillars
Oluwayemi Omolagba