Ten-man Rivers United subdue Nasarawa United as NFL returns

Rivers United overcame Nasarawa United 1-0 in a Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) game decided on Saturday at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt.

Ayo Saka scored the winner, an enthralling team goal that left the Nasarawa United goalkeeper, Suraj Ayeleso floundering.

Saka, making only his second start for the club after his mid-season switch from Sunshine Stars but made the decisive contribution in the match day 20 clash at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium.

The midfielder latched onto a superb pass from John Odumegwu who had been slipped through by a deft bit skill by Obomate Frederick before firing past the Nasarawa United goalkeeper, Suraj Ayeleso in the 38th minute.

Five minutes earlier, Rivers United had been reduced to ten men after captain, Festus Austine was sent off for a second bookable offence for handling the ball.

Rather than let their heads drop, the hosts stepped on the accelerator and deservedly took the lead through Saka’s supreme finish.

Odumegwu should have doubled their advantage shortly before half time but shot straight at Ayeleso from point blank range.

The second half failed to match the first in terms of entertainment value as United held out for three vital points.

After the game, technical manager of Rivers United, Stanley Eguma and head coach of Nasarawa United, Kabir Dogo both addressed the media in a joint press conference covered by our official website, www.riversunitedfc.com.ng. (audio files have been attached).

Rivers United moved up two place on the log as a result of the win and now occupy 11th place on the log with 27 points from 20 matches while Nasarawa United remain in ninth place with 27 points from 20 matches.

Match statistics
Rivers United: Sunday Rotimi,  Ifeanyi Nweke,  Zoumana Doumbia,  Emeka Atuloma, Festus Austine, Ayobami Asekunuwo, Obomate Frederick, (Onoriode Odah 80'), Emeka Ogbugh, Guy Kuemian (Markson Ojobo 60'), Ayo Saka,  John Odumegwu (Ifeanyi Okoye 86').

Substitutes not Used: Femi Thomas, Chiwendu Ali, Israel Daniel and Yusuf Jaiyeola.

Nasarawa United: Suraj Ayeleso,  Yinka  Onaolapo (Abubakar Abdullahi 78’),  Emmanuel Makama, Eugene Obi, Seun Sogbeso, Jide Williams, Abdulrahman Bashir (Fabiyi Tayo 75'), Ishaya Anyu,  Ocheme Edoh (Philip Auta 57’),  Douglas Achiv and Adamu Hassan.

Substitutes not Used: Danlami Umar, Manga Mohammed, Abu Ahmed and Aminu Kadiri.

Yellow cards: Abdulrahman Bashir 49', Sunday Rotimi 25', Festus Austine 25' and 31'. 
Red card: Festus Austine: 33’
Goal: Ayo Saka 38'

Match report: Rivers United 1-0 Niger Tornadoes

Guy Kuemian netted the only goal of an underwhelming Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) contest as Rivers United beat Niger Tornadoes 1-0 in Port Harcourt on Sunday. 

The attacker volleyed home a Lukman Mohammed’s cross after the hosts sprang Tornadoes’ offside trap in the 22nd minute. 

Victory for the pride of Rivers moves them up to third place on the NPFL standings with seven points while Tornadoes remain bottom of the log with a solitary point from their first three matches. 

Sunday’s display by the ‘Pride of Rivers’ was anything but convincing as they had to rely on several heroic stops from goalkeeper, Sunday Rotimi in the second half to hold out for what could turn out to be potentially crucial points in the home strait of the season. 

In truth, United made life complicated for themselves by fluffing a plethora of chances when cold-bloodedness and precision by their attackers could have ended the game as a contest long before the midway stage of the second half. 

Nzube Anaezemba had a shot smothered by the Tornadoes goalkeeper, Aliko Mustapha in the ninth minute before Lukman Mohammed caused despair amongst the home faithful by firing tamely when left unmarked in the visitors’ penalty area. 

Anaezemba had another crack at goal in the 20th minute but the inspired Aliko, who had a barnstorming game saved easily. 

Unrelenting pressure eventually yielded fruit in the 22nd minute as Kuemian fired home an unstoppable volley with Tornadoes failing horribly in their attempt to play a high line. 

Chances were few and far between for the rest of a half that failed to hit the heights as both side struggled for sustained levels of fluency in their passing and movement. 

Tornadoes improved dramatically after the break and were extremely unfortunate not to level matters on more than one occasion.

Their best moments arrived in the 55th minute when Ikefe Andrew’s free kick forced Rotimi into an unconventional save and two minutes later when Wakili Musa’s brilliant volley from the resulting corner missed the target by inches. 

United continued to create chances but continued to fritter them away with shocking regularity. 

Bernard Ovoke smacked a voley against the cross bar in the 61st minute while Aliko produced top drawer saves to deny Mohammed and substitute, Maduabuchi Okereke as the game drew to a close. 

United’s technical manager, Stanley Eguma was less than impressed with his side’s display and rued the many missed which could have made the win more emphatic. 

“It was a very difficult game for us. We never underrated Tornadoes because it is a game of football. 

“We planned to win but unfortunately, we did not have a very good game. 

“We won but we were not able to string the passes (together the way we usually do). 

“My players were jittery and we lost the midfield battles to our opponents and it made them have the upper hand,” he said at the post match press conference. 

Tornadoes coach, Bala Abubakar spoke about a game plan which was carried out to perfection against storied opposition.

“Rivers United is a big team representing Nigeria on the continent. 

“Our team is seventy percent new and gradually, we are trying to stabilize the team. 

“We came here (to Port Harcourt) with a game plan. 

“We knew it would be difficult but we gave a very good account of ourselves,” he said.

Rivers United next travel to Nnewi to face FC Ifeanyiubah while Tornadoes next have a home fixture against Wikki Tourists. 

Both games will be played on Wednesday. 

Match stats 

Rivers United: Sunday Rotimi, Ifeanyi Nweke, Wassa Gabriel, Emeka Atuloma, Festus Austine, Ayobami Asekunowo, Nzube Anaezemba (Weli Christian 82’), Lukman Mohammed, Guy Kuemian (Emeka Ogbugh 57’), Esosa Igbinoba and Ovoke Bernard (Maduabuchi Okereke 68’).  

Substitutes not used: Femi Thomas, Zoumana Doumbia, Olalekan Gabriel and Godbless Asamoah. 

Niger Tornadoes: Mustapha Aliko, Abiodun Afolabi (Idele Ikhide Ibrahim 50’), Husseini Isah, Bolaji Adeyemo, Ikefe Evans Andrew, Sunday Akinmoladun, Ajoku Blessing Chidebere, Owello Solomon (Ibrahim Babawo Abubakar 54’), Ebenezer Odeyemi, Ifeanyi Okoye and Wakili Musa Abdullahi. 

Substitutes not used: Terkaa Melai, Bashar Usman, Attach Christian , Isyaku Iliyasu, Ammeh and Wilfred Angel. 

Yellow cards 

Rivers United: Ayobami Asekunowo (24’) and Gabriel Wassa (86’).

Niger Tornadoes: Bolaji Adeyemi (23’), Ebenezer Odeyemi (62’) and Chidiebere Ajoku (88’). 

Red cards: Nil

Goals: Kuemian (22’)

Bolaji, Famuditi claim Kogi United, Confluence Queens Player of the Season Gong

Micheal Bolaji, Oluwakemi Famuditi of Kogi United and Confluence Queens Football Clubs have emerged the Most Valuable Players of the season for their outstanding performances in the outgone season.

At the second edition of the award ceremony organized by the clubs on Saturday in Lokoja, Kogi United's fast improving striker, Ibrahim Enesi Sanni won the Talent of the Year Award while Confluence Queens' creative midfielder, Amao Basheerat won the same award.

Captain of the Confluence state's club, Ismail Mayaki retained the Most Discipline Player award while Super Falcons' defender Okpalla Maureen won the similar prize for the Queens.

Earlier in a remark, chairman of the clubs, Mallam Abdul Sule disclosed that the award was organized to commend both players and members of staffs that have distinguished themselves with optimum commitment and dedication, to spur them in giving more just as to charge others to raise the bar in the coming football season.

Kit Manager for Confluence Queens, Salihu Abdullahi Dan won the award for Best Staff of the Year among the officials of both clubs, while the Team Managers of Kogi United and Confluence Queens, Ameh Henry and Oluwatosin Olorunleke Ojo as well as Media Manager of Kogi United, Wale Mustapha were honored with an Award of Recognition for their outstanding contributions to successful outing of their clubs in the outgone season.

Other recipients of the award includes the Kogi State Commissioner of Sports and Youth Development, Comrade Arome Adoji, Special Adviser to Kogi State Governor on Youth Empowerment, Sports and Students' Affairs, Honorable Deola Eseyin, Financial Secretary of Nigeria Referees Association, Elder Daniel Olokor, Chairman, Kogi State Football Association, Alhaji Umar Suleiman Isah, his secretary, Mr Augustine Ogunmola, Kogi State Chairman of Referees Council, Mallam Ibraheems Adams Adebayo among others.

MATCH PREVIEW: Gombe United VS Remo Stars

Remo Stars Football Club return to action on Wednesday against Gombe United Football Club in Match Day 2 of the Nigeria Professional Football League at the Pantami Stadium.

It's the first game on the road for the Sky Blue Stars as both teams had earlier met at the Nigeria National League, NNL Super 4 in December 2016.

The Sky Blue Stars defeated Gombe United 3-1 on penalties after both teams played out a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes.

Going into this encounter Captain, Victor Mbaoma has indicated that him and his teammates are not under any pressure in getting a result but instead they want a result for themselves and make a statement.

Speaking with RSFC Media, Mbaoma disclosed that the team isn't under pressure to win on Wednesday but they will play to win.

"We have to respect our opponent by playing and defending well. We are not under any pressure at all but we will try our best possible to win."

"We won against them in the NNL Super 4 and we can replicate such performance when we play them again on Wednesday."

"We lost our first game at home but that won't affect us from playing our game to win and we will be successful at the end of the game in Gombe by God's grace".

The Sky Blue Stars lost 1-2 at home in the first game in the NPFL against Plateau United in Sagamu on Sunday

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GLO PFL: WEEK 34 LIVE UPDATES...fixtures,Refeeres,tables and more...

WEEK 34 FIXTURES NIGERIA PREMIER LEAGUE AND THE MATCH OFFICIALS
KICK; 4PM   LIVE ON SUPER SPORTS; ENYIMBA VS AKWA UTD


Nasarawa United vs 3SC fc-Lafia Township Stadium, Lafia
REFEREE ; CHARLES OZIGBO from Anambra State

  Kwara United vs Lobi Stars fc-Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin
  REFEREE; NASIRU IBRAHIM from Kano State

 Sharks fc vs El-Kanemi fc-Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt
REFEREE; KADIRI MOHAMMED from Lagos State

Heartland fc vs Sunshine Stars fc-Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri
REFEREE; BEN NEJI from Cross River State 

Rangers fc vs ABS fc. Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu
REFEREE; ABUBAKAR AGO from Yobe State

Enyimba fc vs Akwa United-Enyimba international Stadium, Aba    
REFEREE; SANI ABIODUN from Osun State

Nembe City vs Bayelsa United-Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa
 REFEREE;   COL. OLAWALE FAWOLE from Kaduna State

Warri Wolves fc vs Wikki Tourists-
Warri City Stadium
REFEREE; REV. FR. EMMANUEL IKEOBI from Anambra State

Kaduna United vs Kano Pillars fc-Kaduna Township Stadium, Kaduna    
REFEREE; GABRIEL ADIGWE from Lagos State

Gombe united vs Dolphin fc-Gombe townshipstadium,Pantami
REFEREE; OLADELE BOLATITO from Kwara State 

LEADING GOAL SCORERS
 14 Goals Victor Namo (Nasarawa)
 13 Goals Mfo Udoh (Akwa Utd)
 12 Rabiu Ali ( Kano Pillars)
 12 Dele Olorundare (Sunshine stars)
 12 Bishop Onyeudo (Enyimba fc)
12 Oghenekaro Etebo (Warri Wolves)

GLO PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE



 


 *3SC were docked 3 points from already accrued points

Crusader News will soon begin the review of the likely flag bearers of major political parties in Nigeria for the 2015 election. The evaluation will be centred on the prominent parties in the country especially the ever dominant and Africa most populous party; the People Democratic Party (PDP) and the newly fortified alliance; All Progress Congress (APC). 

This exercise will avail us the opportunity to examine the credibility of the candidate each party has to offer.