Rivers United continued their encouraging buildup to the 2026/27 season with a deserved 1-0 win over fellow Nigeria Premier Football League side Enyimba in a preseason friendly played at the Garden City Sports Centre, Port Harcourt.
The victory follows their recent triumph over Abia Warriors, giving Finidi George’s side back-to-back wins against top-flight opposition as they gear up for both the upcoming NPFL season and the CAF Champions League.
The match started with both teams showing plenty of energy, creating an entertaining contest from the opening whistle.
Rivers United produced the first clear scoring opportunity after forcing Enyimba goalkeeper Osagie Onisodumeya into a brilliant fingertip save during a one-on-one situation.
The resulting corner almost produced the opener, but the hosts failed to capitalize as an unmarked header flew over the crossbar.
The Pride of Rivers continued to dominate the attacking exchanges midway through the first half.
Onisodumeya was again called into action, rushing off his line to clear the danger before a Rivers United player attempted an ambitious lob that drifted narrowly wide.
Another promising attack followed before halftime, but the Enyimba goalkeeper was well-positioned to make a comfortable save, ensuring the teams went into the break level.
Finidi George made several changes after halftime, and Rivers United nearly found the breakthrough just two minutes into the second half.
Wasiu Falolu combined brilliantly with Alex Oyowah, but their effort narrowly missed the target.
The decisive moment eventually arrived in the closing stages of the encounter.
Substitute Iyounna Douglas, who came on for Falolu, latched onto an incisive pass from Abdurrashidi Dabai inside the penalty area before calmly curling his finish into the bottom-left corner to seal a deserved victory for the hosts.
The result shows Rivers United’s growing momentum during preseason, having now recorded victories over both Abia Warriors and Enyimba.
With new arrivals steadily settling into the squad and confidence continuing to build, Rivers United appear well-positioned ahead of another demanding campaign.
Attention now turns to the ValueJet Cup in Ikenne, where the Port Harcourt club will face more competitive tests as preparations continue for the start of the 2026/27 season.