GOALS from Guy Kuemian and Emeka Ogbugh proved decisive as Rivers United beat El Kanemi Warriors 2-1 in their opening game of the 2016/17 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.
Bello Kofamata struck for the visitors in the final minute of the game but it proved to be merely academic as the ‘Pride of Rivers’ overcame a late-fight back to hold on for a deserved win.
The win at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt on Sunday saw United continue their tradition of winning their opening game of every NPFL season they have competed in.
The home side opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Guy Kuemian rounded off a flowing team move, finishing Lukman Mohammed’s cross with thunderbolt strike after Bernard Ovoke did well to win the ball in midfield and start off the move.
Three minutes from time, substitutes, Bolaji Sakin and Emeka Ogbugh combined brilliantly to provide the second goal which put the game to bed.
Sakin played Ogbugh through with a delightful through ball and the attacker showed nerves of steel to finish past George Michael in the El Kanemi goal.
The visitors ensured there was a grand stand finish when Kofamata headed home a cross to send shivers down the spine of the home faithful.
United dominated both halves and could have romped to a bigger win but for profligacy of Kuemian, Bernard Ovoke, Lukman Mohammed and Ogbugh who all missed glorious opportunities to make goal scoring contributions.
The Warriors had their moments as well, particularly in the tenth minute when Haliru Hashimu failed to direct his header on target from close range when left unmarked in the penalty area.
United will next travel to Uyo to face Akwa United on match day two of the NPFL on Wednesday.
