NPFL: Morice Chukwu Fires  Rivers United Into Super Six Playoffs 

Nnamdi Chukwu 

MORICE  Chukwu’s first-half wonder goal gave Rivers United a 1-0 victory over Sunshine Stars in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 12 tie on a wet Monday to ensure the reigning NPFL champions qualified from Group B to the Super 6 tournament.

The mercurial midfielder was on hand to power home from 25 yards with a pass from Nyima Nwagua.

Rivers United should have won by more and Albert Korvah twice came close to opening scoring and even extending the lead before half-time, first seeing his effort on 10 minutes disallowed due to ball handling in the build-up and then a super save from the goalkeeper. Farouk Mohammed’s goal-bound effort was blocked as the first half ended 1-0.

Nyima Nwagua could have doubled the lead in the second half but his effort was blocked after Mohammed Shiraz’s run on the right and Morice Chukwu also saw an effort punched away by the goalkeeper.

The result means Rivers United returned to top spot in Group B with 30 points from 16 matches, with the Pride of Rivers also qualifying for the Super 6 playoffs tournament with a game in hand.

The Pride of Rivers will face Doma United in another rescheduled fixture on Thursday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium before the final fixture of the season, an away tie against Rangers International FC on Sunday in Awka.

The NPFL Super Six PlayOff will be held in Lagos from 3rd to 11th June 2023. Rivers United, Lobi Stars and Bendel Insurance have now confirmed their spots in the competition.

Eighteen-Eleven Media