Rivers United silence youth team to book Rivers State FA Cup semi-final ticket

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Rivers United defeated its youth team 4-1 in the quarter-final of the 2023 Rivers State FA Cup on Wednesday.

Ifeanyi Francis scored a hattrick as United’s first team booked an FA Cup semi-final spot. Ifeanyi Francis opened the scoring inside fifteen minutes for the first team at the Adokiye Amiesimaka stadium.

The Feeder team hit back through Israel Orogono to go level in the 35th minute. Ifeanyi Francis, however, restored the first team’s lead just before the halftime break finishing off an intelligent cross from Ebube Duru.

Malachi Ohawume increased the first team’s lead when he netted from a rebound after Ekeocha Chukwudi’s effort was initially saved.

Ifeanyi Francis completed his hattrick in the 81st minute to put the stamp on the victory, which keeps the Pride of Rivers first team on course to winning yet another Rivers State FA Cup.

Stanley Eguma’s side will confront NLO side Wilbros FC in the semi-final of the Rivers State FA Cup.