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Rivers United of Port Harcourt kept alive their title-winning hope in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), as their 2-0 victory over Enyimba of Aba on Monday saw them stay unbeaten in their last 12 matches.
The Garden City side boosted their quest for the domestic title with first-half goals from Ishaq Rafiu and Chiamaka Madu, who silence Finidi George’s side at Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.
Megasportsarena.com reports that, buoyed by their triumph over Enugu Rangers, Enyimba went into the fixture with the ambition of consolidating on that result, but their hosts were resolute.
In contrast with expectations of The Peoples’ Elephant, the Rivers State government=owned side – who are yet to lose any of their last 11 games – had other ideas with their brilliant first-half performance giving them the upper hand.
Enyimba had the first attempt at goal, however, Chukwuemeka Obioma’s volley could not beat goalkeeper Sochima Victor.
It was then the turn of Victor Mbaoma to try his luck three minutes later, yet his volley from 40 yards was well saved by the hosts’ goalkeeper.
Rivers United’s first real attempt came in the 13th minute as Nyima Nwagua’s acrobatic effort missed the target.
Nevertheless, they were handed a penalty five minutes later following Austin Oladapo’s silly challenge on Rafiu inside the box.
Rafiu took the ensuing kick which he smartly put past Togo international Sabirou Bassa-Djeri who guessed the right direction.
That strike destabilized the visitors as Eguma’s men dominated possession and they could have doubled their advantage but Nwagua missed the target after he was set up by Chijioke Akuneto.
Things got worse for the Aba giants three minutes later as Madu poked the ball home from close range.
In the second half, George’s side stepped up their game but they were unable to launch a comeback despite the introduction of Samuel Stone and Gabriel Orok.
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