Sunday Adetunji struck with five minutes remaining as Rivers United edged a tight contest 1-0 against Enyimba to move up to fourth in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) standings.
The lanky attacker rose majestically to head home Kazie Enyinnaya’s exquisitely delivered cross as the Pride of Rivers amassed maximum points at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in the match day 11 fixture.
Enyimba came into the contest in high spirits after booking a ticket for the quarter finals of the CAF Confederation Cup.
United however started on the front foot, approaching the contest without any fear with Ifeanyi Anaemena hitting a half volley in the eight minute to almost strike a dagger into the hearts of fans of his former club.
The opportunity arose after Morice Chukwu’s indirect free kick fell into his path but he could only hit the side netting.
United continued to press and were unfortunate not to take the lead in spectacular fashion as Nelson Esor’s 25 yards strike went wide.
Chukwu was in inspired form and moments later, he created another opportunity minutes later as he found Fortune Omoniwari in the box but he could direct his header over.
Four minutes later, Morice Chukwu sent in another cross, this time from a corner but Sunday Adetunji headed wide.
Enyimba surisingly hardly threatened their hosts with their most notable opportunity in the half coming through Anayo Iwuala whose tame effort was easily dealt with by the United goalkeeper, Theophilus Afelokhai.
Fortune Omoniwari’s half volley which sailed marginally wide was the last goalmouth action of the half as United finished the stronger.
Rivers United began the second half on the front foot as Lookman Binuyo came extremely close with a powerful effort which John Noble in the Enyimba goal did well to smother.
United then had a strong appeal for a penalty waved away by the referee after Esor went down in the penalty area following a challenge from Daniel Darkwah.
To their credit, the hosts continued to step on the accelerator and they would eventually get due reward with Adetunji powering a precise header past Noble for the game’s only goal.
Rivers United have now amassed 32 points from 19 matches while Enyimba dropped to seventh on the league standings with 30 points but they have played three games less than United.
Story by Humphrey Njoku
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