Rivers United pip Rangers in season-opener
Rivers United and Rangers International FC faced off on Wednesday December 30th in the final Matchday One fixture of the 2020/21 NPFL season. The match was hosted in Rivers United’s home ground, Adokiye Amiesiamaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.
The game had a sub-plot of being between two of the foremost trainers in the country, Stanley Eguma of Rivers United and Salisu Yusuf of Rangers. The quality of football on show was very good, and both teams cancelled each other out until the 29th minute when ex-Rangers man, Fortune Omoniwari, got on the end of a cross by another Rangers old boy, Godwin Aguda, to give Rivers United the lead. They took the lead into the first half interval.
Following the resumption of hostilities in the second half, Rangers raised the tempo of their game and were able to pin back their opponents with their slick passing and interplay. They thought they had gotten an equaliser when striker, Chinonso Eziekwe scored following a brilliant through ball into his path. The goal was however disqualified due to a very close offside call. Rivers United’s Cletus Emoten had the honour of being the first player to get sent off this season after he was sent off for two bookable offences in the 74th minute.
Rangers failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage, and both teams couldn’t find a way past either goalkeeper, and the game ended 1-0 to the home side.
