Rivers United moved to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table following a dominant 3-0 victory over El Kanemi Warriors at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.
In a rainy encounter, the Port Harcourt side broke their streak of narrow wins to record their biggest victory of the season so far.
Finidi George Hails Douglas Impact
Goals from Wisdom Samuel and Chijioke Mbaoma ensured the Pride of Rivers secured all three points, but it was the mid-game introduction of a rising talent that caught the manager’s eye.
Rivers United head coach Finidi George was full of praise for midfielder Iyowuna Douglas, who entered the fray in the 59th minute.
Despite limited minutes earlier in the season, Douglas provided the spark needed to control the tempo. Finidi noted the player’s development, stating:
“We know; this is a player we saw in the pre-season. We think he has that quality to play. There is clarity in his game. But when the league started, we felt he was not strong enough.
We, as coaches, play a lot of friendly games. We felt something was missing. The pushing down, the physicality of the game.”
The coach highlighted that the midfielder has worked hard to adapt to the rigours of the NPFL.
“I think, over time, he has built that and tried to play a little bit quicker. His IQ of the game is quite different from others.
It is a plus for us at this last part of the league. If he can replicate stuff like this, I think it is going to help us.”
Rivers United Secure Vital NPFL Victory
The match started with high energy as Wisdom Samuel, making a rare start, found the back of the net just nine minutes in.
The former Heartland FC man proved his worth early, giving the hosts a deserved lead.
Chijioke Mbaoma, who joined the club as a free agent, later doubled the advantage from the penalty spot, marking his first goal for the club.
Samuel then completed his brace with a clinical strike to wrap up the 3-0 scoreline.
Reflecting on the tactical changes and the overall result, Finidi expressed his satisfaction with the squad’s depth:
“We’re quite happy with the introduction of Iyowuna Douglas; he gave us that freshness in the midfield, that clarity in the midfield.
We’re happy for him. This is his second game; I hope he continues this way. I would say, on the overall performance, we deserve the maximum three points.”
With this win, Rivers United sit two points clear at the summit with two games in hand. They now prepare for a high-stakes South-South derby against Bendel Insurance this Sunday.