Rivers United secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Akwa United in a Nigeria Premier Soccer League (NPFL) matchday 5 encounter on Sunday, October 6, 2024, with former Akwa United gamers Aniekeme Okon, Ubong Friday, and Ndifreke Effiong taking part in key roles. The trio, all hailing from Akwa Ibom State, as soon as starred for Akwa United however now ply their commerce with Rivers United underneath the steerage of former Tremendous Eagles coach, Finidi George.
The match noticed Rivers United take the lead within the thirty first minute when defender Stephen Manyo discovered the again of the web. His purpose got here from a well-placed nook kick delivered by Aniekeme Okon, one of many key orchestrators of Rivers United’s victory.
Akwa United, the 2021 NPFL champions, fought again and equalized early within the second half by means of substitute Friday Apollos. The guests regarded set to go away Port Harcourt with some extent, however Rivers United had different plans. Ndifreke Effiong, making his debut for Rivers United, scored the decisive purpose within the eighty fifth minute to safe all three factors for the house aspect.
On the closing whistle by Abuja based mostly Referee Chidiebere, Rivers United’s win marked Akwa United’s third consecutive defeat within the league. It was a bittersweet second for the guests as acquainted faces, as soon as a part of their very own squad, performed pivotal roles in orchestrating their loss. With this victory, Rivers United now sit on the prime of the NPFL standings.