Football
Goals from Guy Kuemian,
Emeka Ogbugh and Chiwendu Ali proved decisive for Rivers United in their 3-1
victory over Wikki Tourists on match day 31 of the Nigeria Professional Football
League (NPFL).
United, under pressure
before kick-off, following a 0-1 reverse in their last home fixture in the NPFL
against Sunshine Stars started Sunday’s game with poise, purpose and on the
front foot.
An early goal looked
likely following such an enterprising start and it was no real surprise when
Kuemian headed the ‘Pride of Rivers’ in front in deserved fashion in the 10th
minute following an expertly-delivered cross by Ali.
Both sides then traded
chances at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium Port Harcourt in an exciting opening period
but it was the hosts that extended their lead in spectacular fashion on the
stroke of half time.
With little danger lurking
and the referee poised to bring the first half to a close Ogbugh produced an
outrageous moment of unadulterated quality which has now gone down in Rivers
United folklore.
He met a Lukman Mohammed
cross with an unstoppable volley into the top right hand corner from just
outside the penalty area, an absolute thunderbolt of exquisite technique which
saw the home fans erupt in massive hysteria.
It was a goal that
produced catharsis for many following the pent up frustrations and tension
amongst the home faithful from the past few days following the
morale-shattering home defeat to Sunshine Stars four days earlier.
Wikki are however made of
stern stuff; the Tourists stepped on the accelerator in the second half and got
due reward five minutes after the restart when Abubakar Lawal netted to hurl
his side right back into the contest.
United’s goalkeeper,
Abiodun Akande suffered a horrific leg break as he unsuccessfully tried to keep
out Lawal’s effort.
He will not play again
this season.
That incident produced a
hushed atmosphere inside the stadium with some of the United players and
members of the coaching staff visibly breaking down in tears.
The ‘Pride of Rivers’
however responded like gladiators, pushing forward with intent and winning a
penalty after Kuemian was fouled in the Wikki box soon after Akande was driven
to hospital in an ambulance.
Ali never misses from 11
metres and stroked his effort low and hard into Sani Haliru’s right hand corner
as United promptly restored their two-goal cushion.
United had several
opportunities to add to their lead but profligacy by Ogbugh and Mohammed meant
there was to be no more scoring in the event-filled game.
After the contest, Rivers
United chief coach Willy Udube addressed the media (audio files attached) in a
parley attended by our official website, www.riversunitedfc.com.ng.
The win moved United to
14th place on the NPFL standings with 40 points from 29 matches while the
Tourists who have played two games more now occupy 15th place, also with 40
points.
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