Rivers United have restored their four-point lead on top of the table after they edged out Enyimba yesterday’s Match Day 23 of the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League season.
Their closest rivals Plateau United had beaten MFM 2-0 on Sunday to amass 48 points but yesterday’s victory moved the ‘Pride of Rivers’ to 52 points, four more than the Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu tutored side.
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Rivers United took the lead in the 21st minute when the season’s leading goalscorer, Ishaq Rafiu, scored from the spot after Austin Oladapo was adjudged to have made a late tackle on him.
Rafiu’s goal also took his tally to 12 in the ongoing season.
Spurred by the early goal, the hosts tried to double their lead when Chijioke Akuneto found his strike-partner Nyima Nwagua who flashed his effort wide in the 31st minute.
However, three minutes later, the league leaders finally doubled their advantage through Chiamaka Madu who slotted home from close range after Enyimba failed to clear their lines as the first half ended 2-0.
Enyimba fought hard in the second half to turn things around but it wasn’t to be as Rivers held on for the maximum points.
It will be recalled that Rivers United recorded their first away victory over Enyimba in the last 12 years in their MatchDay three fixture of the 2022 NPFL season.
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