2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 30: Rivers United FC gets nail-bitting win over Ikorodu City

Posted : 24 March 2025

Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt on Sunday secured a nail-biting 0-1 win over the resilient Ikorodu City FC in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 30, cementing their place in second spot and keeping them five points ahead of third-placed Abia Warriors.

However, the win only reduced the gap between them and league leaders Remo Stars to five points, with the latter still having a game in hand.

It was Boluwaji Sholumade's late strike that gave the Pride of Rivers a crucial victory against a determined Ikorodu City FC at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. In a game filled with goalmouth action, it was utility player Boluwaji Sholumade who netted the only goal, marking his first since joining the Pride of Rivers.

This victory extended the Port Harcourt-based club's winning streak to three consecutive matches and could prove significant by the end of the season.

As usual, the fans inside the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium were full of expectations at kick-off, knowing the importance of the final result in securing a continental football slot.

It was the visitors who had the first real chance at goal when Victor's header narrowly missed the target in the 12th minute—a big let-off early in the game.

However, Rivers United began to take control and nearly capitalized when an Ikorodu City defender headed into his own net from a Muyiwa Fehintola cross, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside.

The intensity of the match increased, with a flashpoint occurring when Ubong Friday's powerful shot hit the side netting. Moments later, a late challenge on Chijioke Mbaoma, who was through on goal, resulted in a yellow card.

After enjoying the best spell of the half, Samson Obi had a speculative shot from the edge of the area saved.

Rivers United's Technical Manager, Finidi George, introduced Emmanuel Nnaji, Abba Suleiman, Okon Aniekeme, and Chibuike Charles in the second half to bolster the attack.

The team created several scoring opportunities, but the closest attempt came from Osagie Onisodumeya, whose well-struck free kick from just outside the box forced a fine save from goalkeeper Aina.

With all 10 outfield players in the Ikorodu City half searching for a winner, it took the combination of Temple Emekayi, Muyiwa Fehintola, Man of the Match Stephen Manyo, and Boluwaji Sholumade to seal the victory.

A long pass from Muyiwa, following a quick restart from Temple's free kick deep into added time, was nodded down by Manyo into the path of Boluwaji just inside the area. His first-time shot found the back of the net, sending the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium into wild celebrations.

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 30: Rivers United FC gets nail-bitting win over Ikorodu City

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