NPFL Super 6 MD4 wrap: Rivers, Enyimba seal continental berths, Remo silence Lobi

By Wale Mustapha

Rivers United and Enyimba have secured positions in continental competitions next season following their victories in the Matchday Four of the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL Super Six playoffs in Lagos on Friday.

The defending champions, Rivers United started day’s proceedings with a hard fought 2-1 win over Insurance FC.

The Pride Rivers ended Insurance’s run of 21 match unbeaten in the current campaign which also moved them closer to defend the title they won last season.

Morice Chukwu broke the deadlock for Rivers United in the fourth minute of the added time with superb finish.

Joseph Onoja doubled the lead for the Coach Stanley Eguma led side on the dot of regulation time.

Super Eagles invitee, Divine Chukwu pulled a goal back for Bendel Insurance with a fine header in the the added time but too little too late to complete the comeback.

Rivers United have now garnered eighth points from four games which will be enough to secure one of continental tickets next season.

For Insurance, their attention will now be on Federation Cup final against Rangers billed for 21st of this month.

In the second match of the day, Remo Stars shone better ahead of Lobi Stars with a comfortable 2-0 win which also boosted their chances of returning to the continental football.

Two first half goals from Junior Lokosa and Adams Olamilekan’s curling effort unsettled Lobi who were far from their best in the playoffs.

The second period was more of a catch up for the Makurdi side as they couldn’t pose any threat to Kayode Bankole’s goal.

In the last match of Day four, eight times winners, Enyimba showed supremacy over Sunshine Stars with a comfortable 3-0 win.

The People’s Elephants needed an outright win with more goals haven seen how the first two games went, and it worked for them with two quick goals.

Chijioke Mbaoma, who was favored to start the game ahead of top scorer, Emeka Obioma justified his selection with perfect finish inside third minute into proceedings. The bulky left foot forward got his brace three minutes later as Enyimba had the game in their grasp at half time.

Mercurial midfielder for Enyimba, Ikenna Cooper took the game beyond the reach of the underwhelming Owena Whales with the third goal just after the hour mark.

The resounding win saw the Coach Finidi George finished the Matchday Four as leaders with eight points, same with Rivers United who have lesser goal advantage.

Both teams will face each other in the final day fixture to determine the eventual champions of 2022/2023 NPFL season.

Remo Stars will need to about defeat against Insurance FC to be sure of a place on the continent while both Sunshine Stars and Lobi Stars will play for pride.