Rivers United centre-back Stephen Manyo was the hero at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, scoring a late winner to secure a 1-0 victory over Barau FC.
The decisive strike not only earned the Pride of Rivers all three points but also shattered the visitors’ impressive seven-game unbeaten streak.
Stephen Manyo Reflects on Emotional Match-Winning Goal
This vital win pushes Rivers United to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table with 46 points, while Barau FC slides to 13th place.
Speaking after the final whistle, the 25-year-old Super Eagles Team B defender expressed his joy after his 85th-minute goal decided the contest.
The strike came from a clever short corner routine involving Wasiu Falolu and Isaac Annor, who set up Manyo just outside the area for a precise first-time finish.
Reflecting on the achievement, Manyo said:
“First of all I would say thanks to God almighty. It was an amazing game, an interesting game from both sides. They gave us a good fight, a good run for our money. At the end of the day we had our first victory, which is very important. And I can see improvement; it was better than the last game because in the last game we did not play.”
Tactical Brilliance Secures Victory for Rivers United
The match was a tense affair, with Rivers United dominating large spells of both halves.
Despite creating several chances, the breakthrough didn’t arrive until the closing stages.
Manyo explained the thought process behind his clinical finish, noting that he had been working on similar scenarios during team practice sessions.
“I saw the goalkeeper was positioned on the left side of the post. If I hit directly and there are many opponents in the box, hitting directly would have just deflected off someone and come back. “So, I just had to place the ball in the second post,” Manyo revealed.
When asked if it was a practised move, he added, “Yes, I’ve been trying it in training. Thank God it favoured me today.”
This victory is particularly significant as it marks the end of a difficult seven-match winless run for the Port Harcourt side across all competitions.
Before this result, the team had struggled in the CAF Champions League and domestic play.
Manyo, who has been a consistent performer, previously scored the team’s only goal in their continental group stage.
Regarding the challenge posed by Barau FC, Manyo showed respect for the opposition’s form:
“Yes, they had seven matches unbeaten. I said it was an interesting game because they gave us a good run for our money. You can see they are on the good side; they are not on the bad side. So having that seven-unbeaten run, I think they deserve it.
But I thank God we ended the seven unbeaten runs today. As a player I feel great; I feel good as a centre defender, scoring for my team, important wins and important goals for my team every now and then. I feel great.”
The NPFL leaders now look forward to an away fixture against Bayelsa United on March 1, followed by a home clash with El-Kanemi Warriors.