Familiar faces lead Rivers United to 2-1 victory over Akwa United
Rivers United secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Akwa United in a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday five encounter on Sunday, October 6, 2024, with former Akwa United players Aniekeme Okon, Ubong Friday, and Ndifreke Effiong playing key roles. The trio, all hailing from Akwa Ibom State, once starred for Akwa United but now ply their trade with Rivers United under the guidance of former Super Eagles coach, Finidi George.
The match saw Rivers United take the lead in the 31st minute when defender Stephen Manyo found the back of the net. His goal came from a well-placed corner kick delivered by Aniekeme Okon, one of the key orchestrators of Rivers United’s victory.
Akwa United, the 2021 NPFL champions, fought back and equalized early in the second half through substitute Friday Apollos. The visitors looked set to leave Port Harcourt with a point, but Rivers United had other plans. Ndifreke Effiong, making his debut for Rivers United, scored the decisive goal in the 85th minute to secure all three points for the home side.
At the final whistle by Abuja based Referee Chidiebere, Rivers United’s win marked Akwa United’s third consecutive defeat in the league. It was a bittersweet moment for the visitors as familiar faces, once part of their own squad, played pivotal roles in orchestrating their loss. With this victory, Rivers United now sit at the top of the NPFL standings.
