NPFL: Rivers United disunite Bayelsa United in South-South derby
Rivers United disunited Bayelsa United in a rescheduled Match Day 12 Nigeria Premier Football League match thanks to goals in each half from Nyima Nwagua and Yao Bernard.
At Port Harcourt’s Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, the outcome of the South-South derby was determined.
In the tenth minute, Deputy Echeta darted from the sides to find Nwagua, who finished superbly for the home team, giving Rivers United the lead.
Robert Mizo was pushed through on goal moments later, but his attempt to equalise from outside the area went wide.
Nwagua found Shedrack Asiegbu with a pass in the 22nd minute, and Asiegbu scored with his left foot, but the custodian stopped it for a corner kick.
After the restart, the visitors stepped up their game, but the Pride of Rivers’ reliable center-backs held firm.
In the 85th minute, Yao Bernard headed home a brilliant cross from Samuel Antwi to give Rivers United a two-goal lead and guarantee the victory for the home team.
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Technical Advisor for Rivers United Stanley Eguma expressed his gratitude to his team’s players for their unwavering resolve and said they displayed a thirst for win in his post-match remarks.
Bayelsa United’s Meremu Okara, for his part, praised his team for putting up a strong battle but added that they were unable to capitalise on their opportunities.
In the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup match, Rivers United will play Club Africain, and in the NPFL, Bayelsa United will play Plateau United.