NNEJI BASIL ONYEKACHUKWU
Ochowechi ‘Oche’ Salefu dispatched a late penalty to hand Rivers United FC maximum points against Go Round FC in the ‘Rivers derby’ as the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) entered match day seven on Sunday.
United won 1-0 in a game lacking in quality.
The ‘Pride of Rivers’ United never really got off first gear for the entirety of the game against a Go Round side that appeared happy to play for a draw.
The ‘Lions’ from Omoku were happy to sit back for most parts and try to catch the hosts’ underbelly on the break.
Goal opportunities were few and far between until a rash challenge by Awala Moses on Samuel Akinbinu in the 79th minute gave the hosts a chance win it late on with a goal from open play looking extremely unlikely from both sides.
Salefu is a man for the big occasion and when he stepped up to take responsibility from 12 yards, there was never any doubts about the eventual outcome.
Technical manager of Rivers United FC, Stanley Eguma spoke to the club’s website after the game.
“It was important to amass maximum points but we couldn’t play compact and cohesive football as we planned in the first half.
“We improved in the second half and I think we are still on course,” Eguma said.
Rivers United have now amassed ten points from their opening seven games in the season and occupy 10th spot while Go Round FC are in the relegation zone as they have amassed seven points from seven matches.
United will next travel to Damaturu to face Yobe Desert Stars as the NPFL enters match day eight.