NPFL: Rivers United defeat Niger Tornadoes in five-goal thriller

Rivers United secured a 3-2 victory over Niger Tornadoes at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium on Sunday, May 19, in their last rescheduled fixture in the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier League (NPFL) season.

Following the 2-0 loss to Abia Warriors at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Wednesday, coach Evans Ogenyi made six changes to the side against Tornadoes on Sunday.

Abiodun Akande got the nod ahead of Seidu Mutawakilu, while Muyiwa Fehintola replaced the suspended Kazie Enyinnaya. Ekerette Udom, Alex Oyowah, Ukeme Williams, and Andy Okpe, also featured in the starting lineup, after missing out against Warriors.

The heavy reshuffling paid off 15 minutes into the match, as Nyima Nwagua— assisted by Emmanuel Ampiah—gave Rivers the lead from close range.

Five minutes later, Ekerette Udom doubled the home side’s lead with a header, before Clinton Jephta pulled one back for the Ikon Allah in the 60th minute.

However, Rivers extended their two-goal lead through Sadiq Abubakar’s freekick in the 63rd minute. Bashir Usman beat Abiodun Akande from the spot as the game approached the 80th minute, but the hosts held firm to their lead to seal their sixth consecutive victory at home against Tornadoes.

The final six games of the 2023/24 NPFL season return on May 25, with Matchday 33 games.