Rivers United defeated Bayelsa United in a Nigeria Premier Football League match day 12 rescheduled game at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Thursday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Pride of Rivers triumphed 2-0 over the Prospect Boys in the South-South derby courtesy of a goal in each half of the encounter to move out of the relegation zone.
An early surge in the first phase saw the host go into the lead through Nyima Nwagua's fine strike in the 10th minutes after a Deputy Echeta worked out pass.
It could have been 2-0 at stoppage time of the first half as Bayelsa United defender Loveday Saro almost turned in a cross into his own goal but had the woodwork to thank.
The second goal finally came in the 85th minute as Ivorian Yao Bernard Kouassi headed home Samuel Antwi’s inch-perfect cross after coming on for Nwagua 15 minute earlier.
The win takes Rivers to 12 with 12 points and 3 matches to play while Bayelsa United are third from bottom with 13 points.
Rivers United go continental in their next game as they play in the CAF Confederation Cup in Tunis against Club Africain on December 20 while Bayelsa United play in the NPFL against Plateau United.
Uche Dozie