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HomeNewsPlateau United Edge Rivers United in Thrilling 2-1 Victory

Plateau United Edge Rivers United in Thrilling 2-1 Victory

It was a dramatic and nerve-wracking finish at the New Jos Stadium. Plateau United secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Rivers United in an electrifying NPFL clash on a chilly evening in Jos.

Following a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt a month ago, the visitors arrived determined to exact revenge and close the gap on league leaders, Remo Stars. Both teams fielded strong lineups, with Plateau United welcoming back Albert Hilary to spearhead their attack, while Rivers United also had key players returning from injury.

Rivers United dominated possession early on, controlling the midfield but failing to register a meaningful shot on target. However, the hosts broke the deadlock in the 21st minute when defender Olawale Doyemi capitalized on a goalmouth scramble to head home after a trademark long throw from captain Daniel Itodo caused chaos in the visitors’ penalty area.

Despite injuries to key players, including goalkeeper Osagie Onisodumeya and midfielder Phillip Udobia, Rivers United pressed forward. Plateau United also made adjustments, bringing on the in-form Nigerian international Temitope Vincent, who quickly put pressure on the Rivers defence.

Just as the home fans began to settle for a narrow victory, Rivers United struck late in the 88th minute. A defensive lapse allowed Ndifreke Effiong to pounce on a loose ball and head in from close range, sending the visiting contingent into wild celebrations and momentarily silencing the stadium.

As the fourth official signalled five minutes of stoppage time, Plateau United threw everything forward in search of a winner. In the dying moments, debutant Emmanuel Ihezuo produced a moment of magic, controlling the ball with poise before unleashing a half-volley into the bottom corner, sparking jubilant celebrations among the home supporters.

With the victory, Plateau United climbed from 17th to 15th in the league standings, while Rivers United remained in second place. Up next, Plateau United will travel to Katsina to face Katsina United, while Rivers United will return home to take on Bendel Insurance in a crucial midweek fixture.

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