El Kanemi Warriors have moved to second place in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) after beating Rivers United 2-1 in Maiduguri on Sunday.
Mathias Samuel and Yahuza Bala netted the decisive goals for the hosts while Onoriode Odah netted in the final minute of stoppage time for the ‘Pride of Rivers’
The big news before kick-off was that the Rivers United technical manager, Stanley Eguma had made ten changes to the side that beat FUS Rabat 1-0 four days earlier in the CAF Confederation Cup.
In the absence of so many regulars, United clearly struggled for fluency in a first half of little quality.
They however improved in the second half but Bala’s goal late on knocked the wins off their sails.
Odah’s late strike was nothing more than academic in the end as the Warriors secured vital points.
Second-placed El Kanemi Warriors have now amassed 36 points from 21 matches while 12th place Rivers United have 27 points from 21 matches.
Match statistics
Teams
El-Kanemi Warriors: George Michael, Samuel Tswanya, Alimanika Usman (John Aguda 48′), Chibuzor Okonkwo, Lucky Eremuya, Tchonfine Pade, Yahuza Bala, Bello Kofarmata, Hashimu Haliru (Sunday Anthony 65′), Olorundare Dele (Isiaka Olawale 87′) and Samuel Mathias.
Substitutes not used: Usman Mohammed, Alhaji Mohammed, Suleiman Dovi, and Isa Usman.
Rivers United: Abiodun Akande, Ifeanyi Nweke, Chiwendu Ali, Aliassou Sanou, Ayobami Asekunuwo, Gabriel Olalekan, Nzube Anaezemba (Onoriode Odah 87′), Bolaji sakin, Godbless Asamoah, (Christian Weli 90′), Yusuf Jaiyeola and Ifeanyi Okoye (Israel Daniel 72′).
Substitutes not Used: Femi Thomas, Gabriel Wassa Shedrach Francis and Bernard Ovoke.
Yellow cards:
Elkanemi Warriors: Usman Alimanika 37′.
Rivers United: Ifeanyi Nweke 47′.
Goals. Samuel Mathias 11′, Yuhuza Bala 81′.
