Latest News
Naija Super 8: Rivers United pip Bendel Insurance in five-goal thriller
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Rivers United picked the last automatic spot for the Naija Super 8 after a 3-2 win over 2023 Federation Cup winners, Bendel Insurance at Eket Township Stadium, on Sunday.
Insurance started the game on a bright note but it was the Port Harcourt-based side experience that counted for the opening goal.
Emekayi set up Liberian import, Albert Korvah who scored the first goal after good teamwork in the 10th minute.
The Benin City-based side, however fought back and were rewarded with an equalizer when Monghara Dede scored from the spot after a foul by Rivers United’s defender in the 45th minute.
After stalemate first half, a fine build-up from Stanley Eguma’s side restored the lead in the 50th minute as Korvah converted his second goal of the game.
Substitute, Okon Ini-Obong scored arguably the best goal of the campaign to level for Insurance when he chested the ball and lobbed it above Rivers United player before unleashing a volley from outside the box to beat Victor Sochima.
Rivers United had the last laugh with a chance to win the game from be penalty spot in the 90th minute when captain Morice Chukwu wrong-footed Kola Oladipo in goal for Insurance to score the winning goal.
Rivers joined Lobi Stars, Remo Stars, Yobe Desert Stars, Enyimba, and Katsina United to qualify for the Naija Super 8, representing South-South region.
They will be joined by two wildcard teams at the Super 8 which will hold at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, from July 7 to 16.
