Bayelsa United stunned Rivers United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Monday, claiming a hard-fought 2-1 victory to end the Pride of Rivers’ unbeaten start to the 2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, Bold Sports reports.
The match, which was rescheduled from Sunday due to a waterlogged pitch, saw the visitors strike first in the 28th minute through Shuaibu Garba, who finished off an assist from Emo James. Rivers United nearly found an equaliser before the break, but their effort rattled the woodwork, much to the relief of the Bayelsa defence.
After the restart, Bayelsa United continued to look dangerous and were rewarded in the 70th minute when substitute Chinedu Emmanuel made an instant impact, slotting home another well-timed pass from Emo James to double the advantage.
Rivers United pushed hard in the closing stages, with Stephen Manyo pulling one back in stoppage time, but it proved too late as Bayelsa United held firm to secure their third win of the campaign.
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The result keeps Rivers United in fourth place on the NPFL table with 12 points and a game in hand, while Bayelsa United move up to 11th with 11 points.
Up next, Rivers United will shift focus to continental duty as they travel to Mozambique to face Black Bulls Maputo in the CAF Champions League qualifiers on Saturday. Bayelsa United, meanwhile, return home to welcome NPFL newcomers Kun Khalifat in their next league outing on Sunday.
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