Rivers United narrowly escaped with a 1-0 victory over Ikorodu City in a tense Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match-day 30 encounter held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt. The reigning NPFL champions, Rivers United, labored to break down a resilient Ikorodu City side, ultimately securing the vital three points through a late goal by substitute Bolu Sholumade. The hard-fought victory, courtesy of Sholumade’s strike in the dying embers of the game, reduced the gap between Rivers United and league leaders Remo Stars to five points, keeping their title hopes alive.
Ikorodu City, newly promoted to the NPFL, proved to be a formidable opponent, frustrating the reigning champions with their disciplined defending and physical approach. Rivers United, visibly fatigued from their midweek travels to Maiduguri and Abuja, struggled to impose their usual dominance. The home side had a goal disallowed in the first half, a decision that further complicated their quest for an early breakthrough. As the match wore on, it seemed destined for a stalemate until Sholumade, who joined Rivers United in January, pounced on a loose ball, heading it into the net following a free-kick from Temple Emekayi and Stephen Manyo’s assist, sparking jubilant celebrations in the stadium.
Rivers United coach, Finidi George, acknowledged his team’s fortunate escape, admitting that they were lucky to secure the win against a determined Ikorodu City. He commended the newcomers for their impressive display, highlighting their good football and physicality. While relieved with the three points, Finidi recognized his team’s struggles, attributing their lackluster performance to fatigue from recent travels. He emphasized the importance of the victory, stating their willingness to “take it any day anytime.” The late winner offered Rivers United a much-needed boost in their pursuit of the league title, keeping the pressure on Remo Stars, whose match against Lobi Stars was postponed.
Finidi underscored the importance of maintaining their winning momentum to close the gap on Remo Stars. With eight games remaining in the season, he remains optimistic about the title race, believing that Remo Stars could falter under pressure. The tightly contested match highlighted the unpredictable nature of the NPFL, with Ikorodu City demonstrating their potential to upset the established order despite being newcomers to the top flight. The win allows Rivers United to maintain their chase for the title, setting up an exciting finale to the season.
The challenging encounter against Ikorodu City exposed some vulnerabilities in Rivers United’s performance. Despite being the reigning champions, they struggled to assert their authority against a determined opponent, relying on a late set-piece to secure the victory. Finidi’s acknowledgement of his team’s tiredness highlights the demands of a congested fixture list and the challenges of maintaining consistency in a league as competitive as the NPFL. The coach will be hoping that his players can recover quickly and regain their optimal form for the crucial remaining matches.
Rivers United’s next fixture will be against their local rivals, Bayelsa United, who managed a draw against Enyimba in Aba. This derby match promises to be another tough test for Rivers United, as Bayelsa United will be seeking to capitalize on any slip-ups from the reigning champions. The result against Ikorodu City, while boosting their points tally, also served as a reminder that every game in the NPFL presents a unique challenge and that complacency could jeopardize their title aspirations. The remaining fixtures will be crucial for Rivers United as they strive to retain their title, and the performance against Bayelsa United will offer further insights into their ability to handle the pressure and maintain their winning momentum.
