Enyimba dethrone Rivers United to emerge Nigeria Premier Football League kings

By Wale Mustapha

Enyimba FC held on to secured a 1-1 draw against Rivers United to emerge the 2022/2023 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL champions on Sunday evening.

In the last match of NPFL Super Six playoffs played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan in Lagos, the People’s Elephants required just a point to win their record ninth league title after Remo Stars could only managed to beat Insurance by a lone goal.

They has to dig deep to have their noses in front with first half goal through Ekene Awazie who latched onto a lose ball to place it over Rivers United goalkeeper Victor Sochima.

Rivers United responded immediately after the restart as their captain, Nyima Nwagua scored the equalizer in the 48th minute when Ojo Olorunleke parried to his path in a goal mouth melee.

There were more exchange of possessions which almost result to a goal but neither could find the cutting edge to get past both Super Eagles’ invitees, Sochima and Olorunleke.

With the draw, the two-time African champions edged Remo Stars and Enyimba to the title on goal difference after the trio were tied on nine points from five matches in the Super Six playoff.

Coach George Finidi eventually saw his side claimed the #100,000 Million Prize money and a coveted trophy along with a ticket to represent Nigeria in the CAF Champions League next season.

Remo Stars finished second in the playoffs to pick the second Champions League spot while the dethroned Rivers United ended third with CAF Confederation Cup ticket as mere consolation.