NPFL: Deputy Echeta’s brace help Rivers United sweep aside Enyimba

By Wale Mustapha

A goal in each half from Deputy Echeta handed Rivers United a convincing 2-0 win over Enyimba in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League clash decided on Tuesday.

The encounter that was held at the famous Adokie Amiesimeka Stadium in Port Harcourt was one of the rearranged games for Rivers following their engagement in the continental games.

Echeta handed the hosts the lead inside opening 14th minute when he raced through a pass from the flank.

Enyimba responded with a quick attack and almost restored parity but Chijioke Mbaoma saw his effort agonizingly cannon off the cross bar.

The Aba Elephants came close to score another one in the second half but were denied by a quick timing goalkeeping of Abiodun Akande for Rivers United.

Just as the visitors were gaining upper hand and looked promising to find the equalizer in the closing stages, Echeta put the game to rest with his second of the day and second for Rivers United.

The young midfielder latched on to a Nyima Nwagua’s cutback pass before burying it past Ozoemena Abi in goal for Enyimba.

The victory snapped Enyimba’s sweet run of four games unbeaten while Rivers returned to winning ways after three matches.

The Pride of Port Harcourt still have three more outstanding games to fill up their fixtures.