A dominant first-half performance saw Chijioke Akuneto score a hat-trick to help Rivers United demolish Akwa United during their Nigeria Professional Football League game on Sunday.

The Stanley Eguma secured a 4-1 win over their visitors at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, thanks goal from Ishaq Kayode and hat-trick hero – Chijioke Akuneto.

Rivers United took the lead just seven minutes into the game when Ishaq Kayode scored his 11th goal of the season from the penalty spot to put the home side ahead.

Four minutes later, the Port Harcourt outfit doubled their advantage through Chijioke Akuneto.

Chijioke Akuneto upped his score of the game with his 8th goal of the season 28 minutes into the game. The forward scored his second goal of the day with the quickest reaction time.

The 24-year-old went on score his third of the game, NPFL first hat-trick of the season and his 9th goal of the campaign just two minutes to end of first half.

A dominant first-half performance ? pic.twitter.com/mrrPiMGBgf

— Rivers United FC (@RiversUnitedFC) March 20, 2022

The visitors were more composed in the second half, and it paid off when Austin Osayande pulled one back for Akwa United in the 60th minute but the damage has already been done.

Chijioke Akuneto with the match ball

The Pride of Rivers, who have been in outstanding form this season, dominated the entire game, allowing the visitors no breathing space, and securing all three points at the end of the day.

Rivers United doing what I'd like Real Madrid to do tonight.

Be ruthless.

— Meldo (@Meldo_10) March 20, 2022

Stanley Eguma will be pleased with his team’s performance as the NPFL leaders now have 42 points and will rely on consistency to finish first moving into the mid-season break.

Rivers United will be going into the half-way mark of the 2021/2022 season with a stunning victory over Akwa United in Port Harcourt.

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