Rivers United have again dented Bendel Insurance’s apparent invincibility with a 3-2 defeat in the play-off for the Naija Super 8 qualifier.
What a goal-laden encounter of two South-South teams who are also Nigeria’s flag-bearers in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
Incidentally, Rivers United were the first side to beat Bendel Insurance this year, a feat they performed at the NPL Super 6 contest earlier this month.
They have proven that their win was not a fluke. Liberian import, Albert Korvah set the flowing for Rivers United opening scoring in the 10th minute.
Never-say-die Bendel Insurance fought back and levelled up through a penalty kick converted by Dede Emekoyi.
Five minutes into the second half, Rivers flowed again into the lead through Liberian hitman, Korvah who blasted home from close range.
Then the ding-dong continued as substitute player, Okon Ini-Obong expertly collected the ball, beat a Rivers defender with body swerve before volleying home from outside the box.
On the dot of regulation time, Morice Chukwu converted a penalty kick which proved to be the decider. Rivers United now join Remo Stars, Lobi Stars, Yobe Desert Stars, Enyimba and Katsina United in qualifying for the Super 8 finals even as two wild card qualifiers are being awaited.
The Super 8 finals will be held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos from July 7 to July 16.
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