Rivers United secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Enyimba FC at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.
Ubong Friday scored against the run of play in the 15th minute, giving Rivers United an early lead. Enyimba pushed for an equalizer but couldn’t breach the hosts’ defense. Seifeya Jackson sealed the win in the 86th minute.
This victory avenged Rivers United’s 4-1 loss to Enyimba in their previous NPFL meeting. Finidi George’s tactics outsmarted Yemi Olarenwaju, his former apprentice.
Enyimba coach Yemi Olarenwaju reflected on his team’s mistakes: “We didn’t really put much pressure in the first half. We played 3-5-2 to put pressure on their defense to play the long ball, and they were playing the long ball, but the defender nodded it, and the wingback didn’t stand well and was caught napping, and that was how we conceded the first goal.”
When asked if Rivers United was under pressure, Yemi replied: “Yes. If there was a team Finidi would lose against, definitely not against me. So, they were under pressure to win. They didn’t create a lot of chances, but we are waiting for them in Aba, and we will get our revenge in Aba. Remember, we defeated them last season in Aba 4-1 before Finidi went to Rivers United, so we will win them again in Aba.”
Rivers United rises to 2nd with 10 points, while Enyimba drops to 6th with 6 points.
Enyimba faces Akwa United on October 2, 2024, at the Enyimba International Stadium.
[…] one part of the East Coast to another. Clearly I am not in Aba or in Rivers State and I did not witness our 2-0 defeat to Rivers United. But the task fell at my desk to write the blog for […]