Wisdom Samuel and Chijioke Mbaoma have finally opened their goal accounts for Rivers United, both finding the net to inspire a well-deserved home victory over El Kanemi Warriors in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) encounter on a rain-soaked Wednesday evening.

The rescheduled Round 23 clash saw the winger and the former NPFL top scorer strike in either half as the Port Harcourt side secured a comfortable 3-0 win at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Footballrover reports.

NPFL Table: Rivers United Go Top After Crucial Home Win

Samuel had made his debut for the Pride of Rivers at the start of the season, coming off the bench in a narrow 1-0 home victory over Shooting Stars.

He replaced Okon Aniekeme in the second half of that fixture after completing his move from Heartland FC.

Since then, he has struggled for regular playing time and has largely been used as a substitute. However, handed a starting berth against El Kanemi, he made an immediate impact.

It took the forward just nine minutes to fire the hosts into the lead, setting the tone for the evening that witnessed early showers of rain.

Mbaoma, who joined the Garden City outfit as a free agent following the termination of his contract with Al Ittihad SC, had also endured a difficult spell in front of goal prior to this encounter.

He extended the victory by calmly converting a penalty to double Rivers United’s advantage.

Just when fans thought that would be the end of it, Samuel unleashed a stunning strike to complete his brace and seal a commanding 3-0 victory – their biggest win of the season – finally breaking the run of narrow 1-0 triumphs.

Pride of Rivers Extends Unbeaten Run in NPFL Title Race

While the goals will significantly boost their confidence, the result also means United have now extended their unbeaten run against El Kanemi Warriors to six matches, recording three wins and two draws in that stretch.

More importantly, the victory sends Finidi George and his boys back to the top of the NPFL table, two points clear of Enugu Rangers with two games in hand.

They will now turn their attention to a South-South derby against Bendel Insurance on Sunday, fully aware that both local bragging rights and the NPFL title race are firmly on the line.

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Last Updated on March 4, 2026 6:36 pm by footballrover