The men are gradually being separated from the boys! Rivers United have broken loose after securing their second win of a match at the on-going championship play-off in Lagos.
In the first match of Friday, they beat Bendel Insurance 2-1 to secure the top spot and also a guarantee to go continental next season.
They are certain to finish among the top three. They also became the first side to double a lead at 2-0 before Bendel Insurance pulled a goal back in the last seconds of the match.
Poor Bendel Insurance! There unbeaten streak has come to an end. Their draw galore is also over having drawn 11 of their previous 12 matches. They also risk not having a continental ticket via the play-off.
Their attention may now be focussed on the Federation Cup where if they win, they will secure a slot for the CAF Confederation Cup.
With the clock ticking down in the first half, Morice Chukwu broke the deadlock for Rivers United in the fourth minute of the added time.
On the dot of regulation time, Joseph Onoja doubled the lead before Super Eagles invitee, Divine Chukwu pulled a goal back for Bendel Insurance in the fifth minute of the added time.
Two other matches will soon follow as last placed Lobi Stars face the continental ticket hopeful, Remo Stars while fifth placed Sunshine Stars are pitched against second placed Enyimba in the last match of the day.
- Lobi Stars Vs Remo Stars – 4.30pm
- Sunshine Stars Vs Enyimba FC – 6.30pm
Table after first match
| Teams | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts | ||
| Rivers | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 8 | ||
| Enyimba | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 5 | ||
| Remo | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 3 | ||
| Bendel | 4 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 3 | ||
| Sunshine | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 2 | ||
| Lobi | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 2 | ||