NPFL: Rivers United Prevail 3-1 Over Heartland FC In Port Harcourt NPFL: Rivers United Prevail 3-1 Over Heartland FC In Port Harcourt
The Rivers United FC claimed their fourth Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) win with a thrilling, high-energy performance by beating Heartland FC of Owerri... NPFL: Rivers United Prevail 3-1 Over Heartland FC In Port Harcourt

The Rivers United FC claimed their fourth Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) win with a thrilling, high-energy performance by beating Heartland FC of Owerri 3-1 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt on Sunday.

Coming into this game off the back of a narrow 0-1 defeat to Wikki Tourist FC of Bauchi, Stanley Eguma shuffled his back four in an effort to change the fortunes of his side to beat the Owerri side.

Kazie Enyinnaya, Konan Ruffin and Ifeanyi Anaemena were recalled to the back four while Lookman Binuyo reclaimed his defensive midfield position

Cletus Emotan was in for another NPFL start of the season and instantly caught the eye with the way he took up space between the lines, while Stephen Gopey was his usual ball of industry and energy.

Rivers United made a strong start and, with six minutes on the clock, Bamba Bakari surged forward and pinged a cross into Heartland’s box which fell for Cletus Emotan whose effort was deflected for a corner.

Fortune Omoniwari scuffed a volley just wide on eight minutes as the “Pride of Rivers” went in search of an early goal.

Rivers United kept coming forward and were soon awarded a penalty when Pascal Eze handled the ball in the area – and Godwin Aguda made no mistake from the spot.

Heartland soon grew into the game and came close when Shedrack Oghali, who capitilised on a loose ball, saw his right-footed effort saved by Abiodun Akande in goal for Rivers United.

The Stanley Eguma team showed real heart and no little attacking spark and could have extended their lead when Godwin Aguda was left in a world of his own but his strike was saved by Ikechukwu Ezenwa to end the half with United in the lead.

As expected, Heartland came flying at the start of the second half.

But Rivers United extended their lead as Kazie Enyinnaya nicely controlled and finished in style a stunning lofty pass from Konan Ruffin.

Heartland FC reduced the deficit in the 77th minutes when Shedrack Oghali low driven shot off a quickly taken free kick by Samuel Nnoshiri beat Akande in goal for United.

Malachi Ohawume responded in almost similar fashion when he struck the match winner from a quickly taken free kick by Bobby Clement late on to secure all three points in the bag and the fourth win out of five matches in the ongoing  league season.

Stanley Eguma, Rivers United Technical Adviser said: “I thank my players, the put up a good effort, I thank God almighty the most important thing and I thank the management too. We were able to win today.

“We actually prepared for this match very well knowing fully well that Heartland is a strong team especially their most recent game when the played Enyimba FC of Aba.

“We knew we were going to have a very big fight because it’s a local derby. We expected a very tough game like this and by the grace of God we were able to win.

“We had to work extra hard to get this three points today. It was a hard earned one. The way Heartland came fighting from all corners and at the end of the day, we rose up to the occasion and pick the three points.

“It’s a good one for us at least it will also bring back confidence into the team especially now that we are going back to the continent to play a continental game.

“This match is going to raise the moral of the players for us to continue to be in a winning streak, that winning mentality that we return back to play the South African team.”

Christian Obi, Head Coach Heartland FC said: “Every coach will always be optimistic of victory, so we didn’t bargain it but it came. Well I will attribute it to lack of concentration towards the dying minutes of the game.”

The outcome:

Rivers United remain top of the NPFL table with 12 points from 5 matches.

Up next:

Rivers United will return to Confederation of African Football (CAF) Cup action as they travel to Port Novo, Benin Republic, to confront Bloemfontein Celtic on Saturday, January 23, 2021 by 4pm local time (3pm Nigeria time).

Dianabasi Effiong