Sikiru Olatunbosun put up a brilliant outing for newly crowned NPFL Champions in their matchday 35 tie against Nasarawa United, but his efforts could not save The Pride of Rivers from losing 2-1 in Jos.
Olatunbosun got off the club’s bench when the scoreline was still 1-0, but his cleverly struck equalizer 10 minutes from full time was not enough as Nasarawa United secured the match winner from the penalty stop 2 minutes into added time in Sunday’s game at the New Jos Township Stadium.
The result means already crowned NPFL Champions maintain the 10 points gap at the top with 3 matches left.
Sunday Okereke opened the scoring for the host with a fine finish in the 5th minute after receiving a pass from Chinedu Ohanachom and the score stayed that way until the 80th minute when Sikiru Olatunbosun just two minutes after coming on as a substitute drew level for Rivers United finishing off an intelligent pass from Solomon Okuruket.
Michael Tochukwu scored from the spot in the 90+ minute to hand Nasarawa United victory.
Rivers United will host Kano Pillars in Port Harcourt on Sunday 3rd June 2022.
POST-MATCH REACTIONS
Coach Stanley Eguma: “It’s a good game, but it’s unfortunate that we conceded an early goal and the hosts went on to dominate the first-half.
“Though we rallied back to pull a leveller, that last minute penalty to the home side spoilt our day.
Generally, it was a good game, but we will do better in our next game.”
Coach Bala Nikyu(NAS): “It’s a great result for us today. At this point of the league, every team gives all it has to win because if you lose, the impact will be huge!
“So, we appreciate God for the outcome today.
Rivers United deserved to win the league because they have been great this season.”
