Rivers United Win Super 4 Title

 

Rivers United clinched the Nigeria Professional Football League Super Four title on Sunday after Enugu Rangers were held to a 1-1 by their Oriental rivals FC IfeanyiUbah in the competition's final fixture.

The Pride of Rivers beat Wikki Tourists 1-0 earlier in the day courtesy of Guy Kuemian's fifth minute strike. Rivers United top the standings with six points, while Rangers finished in second place with five points.

Rangers went into their game against FC IfeanyiUbah knowing that only a win would help secure the title following Rivers United's victory in the first game of the day. The 2015/2016 NPFL champions scored the curtain raiser through Godwin Aguda in the 49th minute, while Jimoh Oni pegged them back in the 67th minute. FC IfeanyiUbah handled by their assistant coach, Ghanaian Yaw Preko, who is now in temporary charge of the side following Kenichi Yatsuhashi's exit put up an improved display from their opening two defeats in the competition. Rangers who had their key men Chisom Egbuchulam, Osas Okoro, Aguda and Bobby Clement back in the line-up struggled to impose themselves in the game.

IfeanyiUbah goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, had to be at alert to save Chisom Egbuchulam's dangerous looking cross on 38 minutes, while Olusesi directed his shot wide from a good position.

Aguda opened scoring for Rangers four minutes after the break, nodding home from Egbuchulam's header. King Osanga missed a glorious chance to drag his side back into the game in the 59th minute when he was put through on goal but his tame shot was easily saved by Emmanuel Daniel. FC IfeanyiUbah upped their game afterwards and got their reward when Jimoh Oni fired home the leveller in the 67th minute. Despite late pressure from Rangers, IfeanyiUbah held on to prevent them from winning the title.