Rivers United continued their chase for a spot in the Super Six in NPFL23 with a hard-fought victory over Bayelsa United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Pride of Rivers returned to the Nigeria Premier Football League matchday 17 tie with the aim of bouncing back to winning ways against Bayelsa United, and they sure did.

The Stanley Eguma side were forced to work hard for the three points against their neighbors, and they snatched the lead twice to rack up their seventh win in the abridged league season after the final whistle.

Both teams enter this match with confidence after recent victories in the league. Rivers United defeated Dakkada FC 1-0, while the Creek Boys defeated Sunshine Stars in Yenagoa 2-1.

The South South Derby was a fierce contest as both teams locked horns in search of a breakthrough.

Mohammed Shiraz put the Pride of Rivers in front just two minutes before the interval after he intelligently dinked in a flick from Nyima Nwagua over the onrushing goalkeeper.

15 minutes into the second half, Tekena Garando drew level for the visiting Bayelsa United from the penalty spot to make it 1-1.

The equaliser

Rivers United 1-1 Bayelsa United #NPFL23 || #MD17 || #RIVBAY#Footballlovers #Footballrover pic.twitter.com/zXm0VWmzQ5

— ???????????????????????????????? ???????????????? (@Footballrover) May 7, 2023

Before Nyima Nwagua snatched a late goal to seal the win and all three points for the hosts.

With the victory, Rivers United move back to second place with 26 points, just four points behind leaders Lobi Stars, with three games at hand.

At the other end, Bayelsa United will be counting their losses as they are just three points away from relegation.

Port Harcourt will continue their journey with a visit to Enugu Rangers, while Bayelsa United will be hoping to secure a place in the NPFL next season with their last game against the Niger Tornadoes.

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Last Updated on May 7, 2023 9:23 pm by Sir Kris