THE Yakubu Gowon Stadium, the home ground of the ‘Pride of Rivers’ Rivers United was set ablaze at the nick of 90 minutes added time with a stunning goal from local favorite, Efosa Eguakun that sunk the ‘Anambra Warriors’ FC Ifeanyi Ubah on match day 24 of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) that took place on Sunday 11th June 2017.
This match ended with two goals from a spot kick at the 61th minute from Rivers United’s Bolaji Sakin and 94th minute strike from Efosa Eguakun while a consolation spot kick goal from FC Ifeanyi Ubah substitute, Prince Aggreh in the 81th minute was the final score line.
Before the kick off of the game, the winner of the 1st edition of the VAT Wonder goal category, Rivers United’s Ayo Saka was handed over his cheque of N150,000 in front of football fans present at the stadium.
From the blast of the whistle for the kick off of the game, Rivers United were on their traditional offensive play against the visitors who were soaking in the pressure. In the 27th minute, FC Ifeanyi Ubah’s Seka Pascal had his cross from the right flank connecting with the head of team mate, Godwin Obaje who headed it to the safe hands of Rivers United’s Abiodun Akande.
Four minutes later, the romance between Rivers United’s Bolaji Sakin and John Odumegwu was awesome as the one two slick passes beats off three FC Ifeanyi Ubah players into the box but the low shot by Lukman Mohammed was smothered by FC Ifeanyi Ubah goalie, Bamba Drissa.
The second half was better as Rivers United still in firm control was gifted with a one on one chance with John Odumegwu against FC Ifeanyi Ubah goalie, Drissa but he missed his sitter in the 46th minute.
Rivers United opened scoring for the evening with a controversial penalty call by center referee, Patrick Ishaya when Rivers United’s Ifeanyi Okoye ball touched the hand of a FC Ifeanyi Ubah player inside the box. Rivers United’s Bolaji Sakin in the 61st minute calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net for the hosts.
FC Ifeanyi Ubah substitute, Prince Aggreh long range shot beats Rivers United’s goalie, Abiodun Akande but the ball hit the left upright and a follow up shot aimed straight to the hand of Rivers United’s Festus Austine who slid to block the ball inside the box. In the 81st minute, FC Ifeanyi Ubah’s Prince Aggreh converted the spot kick to level up his team with the host.
The highlight of the game was when substitute Rivers United’s ace midfielder, Efosa Eguakun who had an instant impact as he got into the thick of the action in the 94th minute had his half volley shot from an almost impossible angle blaze the inside roof of the net to the wild delight of the home fans to end the game.
Rivers United will host Akwa United in a re-scheduled match day 22 fixture at the Yakubu Gowon stadium in Port Harcourt with a game at hand while FC Ifeanyi Ubah will host Wikki Tourists at the FC Ifeanyi Ubah stadium at Nnewi on match day 25.
TEAM LIST
RIVERS UNITED:
Abiodun Akande, Zoumana Doumbia, Ifeanyi Nweke, Festus Austine(c), Gabriel Olalekan, Emeka Atuloma, Ifeanyi Okoye (Nzube Anaezemba 72’), Ayo Saka, John Odumegwu (Daniel Israel 84’), Bolaji Sakin and Lukman Mohammed (Efosa Eguakun 55’).
Unused Substitute:
Femi Thomas, Ali Chiwendu, Ojobo Markson and Asamoah Godbless.
FC IFEANYI UBAH:
Bamba Drissa, Osai Felix, Adou Blaise, Eze Stephen, Maamo Joseph, Msonter Tony, Egbeta Michael, Kone Yaya (Prince Aggreh 67’), Bright Onyedikachi (c) (Osanga King 78’), Seka Pascal and Godwin Obaje (Alankwe Chijioke 73’)
Unused Substitute:
Okafor Uche, Baadu Isaac, Elu Wilson and Medrano Tamen
YELLOW CARD(S):
RIVERS UNITED: Nil
FC IFEANYI UBAH: Nil
RED CARD(S):
RIVERS UNITED: Nil
FC IFEANYI UBAH: Nil
GOAL(S):
RIVERS UNITED: Bolaji Sakin (61’ PK) and Efosa Eguakun (94’)
FC IFEANYI UBAH: Prince Aggreh (81’ PK).
SOURCE: BESOCCER
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