Rivers United secured a 2-0 victory over Shooting Stars in Port Harcourt, continuing their impressive form in the new NPFL season.
After a goalless first half, Rivers United broke the deadlock in the 51st minute, when Aniekeme Okon found the back of the net.
Ndifreke Effiong sealed the win with a second goal in the 76th minute, ensuring all three points for the home side.
Finidi George’s team is now unbeaten in seven matches this season, and the victory has propelled them to the top of the NPFL table.
Finidi George and his assistant coaches at Rivers United.
Meanwhile, Remo Stars slipped to second place following a 3-1 defeat to Plateau United at the New Jos Stadium.
Plateau United’s Ebuka Anthony netted twice, with Abubakar Adamu adding another goal. Remo Stars’ only response came from substitute Jabar Malik.
The latest results have shaken up the NPFL standings, with Rivers United leading the charge as the season progresses.
Ilechukwu: First Half Lapse Cost Us Against Kano Pillars
Rangers vs Kano Pillars. Photo | C
Rangers Head Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu expressed his disappointment with his team’s first-half performance in their 4-3 home defeat to Kano Pillars.
The visitors stormed to a commanding four-goal lead in the first half, leaving Rangers with an uphill task.
Rangers rallied in the second half, scoring three goals, but despite their spirited comeback, they were unable to find the equalizer.
Reflecting on the match, Ilechukwu acknowledged that the poor first-half display was the main reason for the defeat.
“It happens in football, although we aren’t happy about it,” he said.
“Kano Pillars were better in the first half, but we got into the game late. Our performance improved in the second half, and we scored three goals, breaking the jinx of only scoring one goal per game. It shows that we are improving.”
Despite scoring three goals in a match for the first time this season, Ilechukwu stated that the team is still finding its rhythm.
“The first half affected the players psychologically, but I told them it wasn’t over yet. They responded by scoring three goals. It was a game we should have leveled, but we missed chances. We’ll take the positives into the next game,” he added.
The defeat leaves Rangers seventh on the table with three defeats, three wins and a draw after seven matches.
The defending champions will aim to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
