April 20, (THEWILL) – Rivers United reinforced their championship pursuit with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sunshine Stars at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt. The Match Day 34 fixture remained deadlocked until the 84th minute when Abba Suleiman struck the decisive goal, bringing joy to home supporters.
The first half presented few clear opportunities as both teams demonstrated disciplined defensive formations. Rivers controlled possession throughout the opening 45 minutes but found themselves frustrated by a well-organised Sunshine backline. The visitors employed counter-attacking tactics without success, resulting in a goalless scoreline at the interval.
Captain Temple Emekayi led Rivers alongside teammates Osagie Onisodumeya and Muyiwa Fehintola as the title challengers pushed for a breakthrough. Their persistence paid dividends when Suleiman found the net with just six minutes remaining in regulation time. Sunshine mounted late pressure during the three minutes of added time but could not penetrate the resolute hosts’ defence.
The triumph keeps Rivers firmly in second position in the NPFL table with 58 points, trailing leaders Remo Stars, who sit atop with 65 points after 34 matches played. The victory maintains Rivers United’s push for continental qualification as they continue their campaign to close the seven-point gap to first place in the 2024/2025 season.
Both teams displayed tactical awareness throughout the contest, and Sunshine Stars showed defensive merit, they ultimately returned to Akure empty-handed.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
