Rivers United delivered one of their most dominant displays of the season after a comfortable 3-0 win in the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.

The victory saw coach Finidi George express surprise at his team’s sharp attacking form after they broke the jinx of scoring just one goal, Footballrover reports.

Early Goals End Rivers United’s Scoring Doubts

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clash showed why the Garden City side are serious title contenders this season.

Early goals, strong pressing, and confident finishing helped them overpower El Kanemi Warriors in a match played under wet pitch in Port Harcourt.

The performance also moved the team back to the top of the NPFL table, strengthening their push for league glory.

The match started brightly for the home side. It took only nine minutes for winger Wisdom Samuel to open the scoring and set the tone for the evening.

His early strike gave United the confidence to control possession and push forward with attacking intent.

Samuel’s goal was particularly important because the team had struggled to score many goals in previous matches. Finidi praised the improvement in finishing, saying:

“I think it was a good game; this time around we created chances, and we could score early. That early goal gave us that energy to go for more.

Normally we score in the 88th minute, 84th minute, and we start struggling to see how we can defend that one goal. I’m quite happy we’ve broken that jinx. For the first time in the league scoring three goals, I can’t believe it.”

The coach added that players were encouraged to maintain their attacking intensity after halftime.

Tactical changes and fresh legs helped the Pride of Rivers maintain control of the game and keep the Maiduguri Warriors pinned inside their own half.

Mbaoma’s Goal Brings More Confidence to the Attack

Striker Chijioke Mbaoma also joined the party by scoring his first goal of the season.

The forward, who arrived as a free agent after leaving Al Ittihad SC, had been working hard to rediscover his scoring touch.

Mbaoma calmly converted a penalty to double hosts’ lead. His effort was widely celebrated by teammates and supporters, especially after a difficult period in front of goal.

Finidi spoke about his striker’s performance, saying:

“For me, it is about winning. If we’ll be winning 1-0, 1-0, 1-0, and that means we win the league, I will sign. Right now, I will sign it.

But for a striker who has been working so hard and having opportunities to score, it has not happened for him. Today, I think he worked so hard.

Apart from the goal, I think he had a good game. This will be a motivation for him to keep doing what he knows best, which is goal scoring.

I hope, going forward, he will be scoring goals to help the team. We’ll keep our fingers crossed.”

Samuel later completed his brace with a brilliant long-range strike, sealing Rivers United’s biggest win of the season.

NPFL Title Race Heats Up for Rivers United

The result pushed the Port Harcourt outfit two points clear of rivals Enugu Rangers International FC with two games in hand in the NPFL title race.

The team also extended their unbeaten run against El Kanemi Warriors to six matches, recording three wins and two draws.

Finidi believes the performance should boost confidence across the squad. He explained:

“I feel, before this time, there was doubt if we could score more than a goal. Having scored three today, I think that is an extra motivation for the players.

We hope they continue this way. Believing that they can score goals. Anybody can score. Winger scored two goals today. That’s what we expect from all the players.”

The coach also highlighted the importance of spreading goals across different positions, noting that midfielders and defenders have also contributed goals in recent matches.

Looking Ahead to South-South Derby Challenge

Rivers United will now shift focus to their upcoming South-South derby against Bendel Insurance.

The match promises to be intense, with local pride and NPFL points both on the line.

The club’s history shows they can mount serious title challenges. During their NPFL22 championship campaign, Rivers United accumulated 77 points, setting a league record for the highest points total in a single season.

Fans will hope the current squad can repeat that level of consistency.

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Last Updated on March 5, 2026 7:35 am by footballrover