Rivers United extended their lead at the top of the table with two points following a 1-1 draw away at reigning champions Akwa United at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Saturday.
It’s a result that Plateau United could take advantage of if they win on the road to Sunshine Stars when they play in IjebuOde in the remaining fixtures of MatchDay 20.
The match heralded the resumption of the proceedings from the mid-season break, as 20 clubs in the league look forward to the business end of the campaign.
Etim Matthew turned provider for Rivers United’s goal of the fixture when he turned Kazie Enyinnaya’s cross into his side’s net in the 17th minute.
Akwa United drew level two minutes after the break when substitute Adeyeye Adeyemi smashed home Etim Matthew’s inch-perfect delivery from the right.
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Rivers United would defend with grit to depart with their heads high, amassing four points from a possible six after a 4-1 defeat of the Promise Keepers in the reverse fixture a fortnight ago in Port Harcourt.
Impact of the result
Rivers United are two points clear at the top of the log, pending the outcome of the game involving Sunshine Stars and Plateau United on Sunday. A win for Fidelis Ilechukwu’s men could see them leapfrog Rivers United to first place, while a draw will ensure just a point gap between both sides.
Akwa United could slip to the 9th place on the log after games on Sunday. Enyimba engage Wikki Tourists in Aba, and a win for either side could see Wikki take their tally to 30 points, while Enyimba could end the MatchDay on 29 points. The eight-time champions could leverage their goals advantage if they win.
Sunshine Stars and Shooting Stars could also end the MatchDay ahead of the Promise Keepers, courtesy of their superior goals advantage, if they win their respective games against Plateau United and Nasarawa United.
Reactions
Babatunde Bello was voted man of the match following a sterling performance on his debut. The midfielder, who joined the Uyo-based side from Sunshine Stars in mid-season, said he is optimistic about the challenge and promised to add value to Deji Ayeni’s side.
“It was not the result we expected. We had opportunities to seal the game in the second half. We will continue to improve on the lapses and give the fans what they want”, he said.
On his part, Rivers United head coach, Stanley Eguma, said his team would focus on keeping the momentum.
“We are focused and determined to maintain the lead to enable us meet our aspirations by the end of the season. We will continue to give our best, knowing that the second half of the season is always the business end. All the teams have regrouped and will be difficult, especially when you play the relegation-threatened teams”, Eguma hinted.