In the battle for Nigeria Premier Football League top spot in Group B, defending champions Rivers United defeated Niger Tornadoes 2-1 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt to hand them their first defeat of the season.
Kazie Enyinnaya headed home the opener for the champions off a well-executed corner kick from Ukeme Williams in the 7th minute.
Charles Okafor thought he had levelled the scores for the visitors, but his goal was rightly ruled offside.
However, they would not be denied on the second time of asking, as Waheed Adebayo drew them level with a spot-kick in the 29th minute after David Okoromi was brought down in the danger area.
Two minutes later, left-back Ebube Duru restored the lead for the hosts with a sublime freekick that left Tornadoes goalkeeper Lucky Abdullahi in no man’s land.
Musa Wakili and Okoromi both came close to restoring parity for the away team, while Adbullahi was on hand to save another free kick attempt from United’s Morice Chukwu.
The Pride of Rivers held on and were worthy winners as they returned to winning ways following their 1-1 draw with the Sunshine Stars last Thursday.
Rivers United are one of five unbeaten teams in the new abridged NPFL season, along with Remo Stars and Shooting Stars, who will face off in the southwest derby later today for the final matchday 3 encounter.
⏱️ FT
Rivers Utd 2-1 Niger Tornadoes
Big win.
We go top of the Group B table.#NPFL23 #MD3 #RIVTOR pic.twitter.com/YmPiwOilat— Rivers United FC (@RiversUnitedFC) January 24, 2023
