An 88th-minute header from Timothy Zechariah provided much-needed relief for Rivers United coach, Finidi George, as his side ended a five-game winless run with a 1-0 victory over Lobi Stars in Port Harcourt on Sunday.
Zechariah’s late strike broke the resilience of bottom-placed Lobi Stars, boosting Rivers United’s hopes of reviving their NPFL title challenge. The win moved them to third place with 38 points from 23 matches, though they remained 10 points behind league leader Remo Stars.
Before this match, Rivers United’s last victory came in December against Kwara United, followed by a frustrating spell of three draws and two defeats that saw them lose ground in the title race.
Akwa United, Abia Warriors Secure Important Wins
Elsewhere, Akwa United returned to winning ways with a narrow 2-1 victory over Enyimba FC in Uyo. Goals from Ogunleye Olayemi and Uche Sabastine secured the Promise Keepers’ first win in five matches, while Issah Mohammed’s goal for Enyimba was not enough to salvage a point for the visitors.
Despite the win, Akwa United remains in the relegation zone with 23 points from 23 games.
Meanwhile, Abia Warriors delivered a dominant 3-0 victory over Sunshine Stars at the Umuahia Township Stadium, pushing the Akure-based side into the drop zone while climbing to fourth place.
An own goal from Chidozie Iwundu opened the scoring for Abia Warriors in the first half before Antoine Ijoma and Samuel Ogunjimi sealed the win with two more goals.
Ikorodu City FC Stun Kwara United, Other Results
In Lagos, newly promoted Ikorodu City FC came from behind to secure a 2-1 win over Kwara United at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
Junior Aimufua stunned the home crowd with a second-minute opener for Kwara United, but Toyeeb Ajeyigbe quickly equalized five minutes later. Shola Adelani then scored the winning goal in the 64th minute, connecting with a pinpoint pass from Austin Harrison.
Elsewhere, Niger Tornadoes and Plateau United played out a 1-1 draw, while reigning champions Rangers International settled for a goalless draw against Bayelsa United in Yenagoa.
