Super Eagles legend Finidi George endured a frustrating evening as his Rivers United side settled for a dramatic 1-1 draw against Plateau United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Monday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The stalemate denied Rivers United the chance to finish 2024 atop the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) standings.
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The match was marred by controversy, with Plateau United’s early dominance creating tension.
The visitors thought they had taken the lead in the 18th minute when Vincent Temitope’s strike found the back of the net. However, referee Olawale Fawole disallowed the goal, citing a foul throw in the buildup.
Plateau United eventually got their breakthrough in the 51st minute, as Temitope redeemed himself, converting a clever assist from Adamu Abubakar to put the Jos-based side ahead.
The pressure told on Rivers United manager Finidi George, who was sent off in the 80th minute for dissent, unable to contain his frustration.
But Rivers United found a lifeline deep into stoppage time when Handsome Surveyor scored from close range to level matters in the sixth minute of added time.
The equaliser sparked chaos, with Plateau United’s bench protesting vehemently, leading to a lengthy delay.
Referee Fawole subsequently dismissed Plateau United head coach Mbwas Mangut for dissent, adding to the drama of the evening.
The draw keeps Rivers United in second place on the NPFL table, two points adrift of leaders Remo Stars, who secured a gritty 2-1 victory over Akwa United on Sunday.
Elsewhere, Shooting Stars climbed to third with their fifth consecutive win, a narrow 1-0 triumph over Kwara United.
Reigning champions Rangers International and Abia Warriors were the standout performers of Matchday 19, both earning impressive away victories.
Rangers stunned Niger Tornadoes 1-0 at the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna, courtesy of Bashir Usman’s 33rd-minute goal.
Meanwhile, Sheddy Kenneth’s 35th-minute strike handed Abia Warriors a vital 1-0 win over Bayelsa United at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.
