Akanni Seyi
Rivers United midfielder, Esosa Igbinoba was on song on Sunday evening as his lone effort was enough to secure the maximum three points for Rivers United against their fellow rival, Enugu Rangers in Port Harcourt.
Of course, United were spoilt of quality personnel capable to deliver the needed points for the host as Coach Stanley Eguma expectedly unleashed Guy Kuemian to spearhead the attack.
The former Nassarawa United midfielder, skipped past few players to slot past Rangers goal keeper, Itodo Akor following a quickly-taken corner kick, as the hosts claimed a slim win at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium.
Bobby Clement's effort from the edge of the box was marginally wide in search of the leveller as the momentum gathers before the end of the first stanza.
Chances were coming thick and fast for United in the second half, but the likes of Igbinoba and Obomate couldn't convert the glorious chances to cushion their lead.
Sunday Rotimi was fantastic between the sticks to deny enterprising Osas Okoro a breath taking strike from tight angle, he later clawed out a goal bound freekick to further deny Fortune Omoniwari's swinging effort.
Speaking to Soccernet.com.ng after the tension soaked match, Esosa Igbinoba revealed how delighted he was as his furious strike denied Flying Antelope any point on the road.
“l think l scored a great goal, but the most important thing is that we won together as a team.
“To me, the league is still open and we are ready to approach our subsequent games with all seriousness. It doesn't matter who scored the goal, all l know is that, our best is yet to come.
“Our hand is extremely full in the continent, the management have done creditably well to motivate us and we are ready to pay them back with outstanding performances. Also, our fans are always fantastic and am happy we left them a sweet memory today”. He concluded.
Rivers United moved up four places on the log to 12th with 14 points from 10 matches while Rangers dropped to 16th with 12 points from 10 matches and they await Wikki Tourists in their next home game.
