NPFL Review: How Kwara United break 8-year jinx against Rivers United in Ilorin
It was a big relief in the camp of Kwara United on Sunday after securing an hard fought 2-1 victory over Rivers United in the matchday 26 of the NPFL.
The victory, has for many reasons doused the tension that the team’s five winless games had generated. Again, the triumph also saw the Harmony boys breaking an 8-year jinx when the visitors were last defeated in Ilorin.
A match with its own dimension, all eyes was fixed on the Kwara State Stadium Complex in the encounter where a win for the visitors could have taken them closer to their ultimate target of winning the league and a triumph for the homeside would also meant redemption in their quest for continental ticket.
How did the match go?
Kwara United were thrown in to an early frustration when Nelson Okwa opened the scoreline for the visitors as early as 3 minutes. Disunited and depressed, the Harmony boys would have to trail behind the ‘Pride of Rivers’ throughout the first half of the game.
Even while Coach Biffo’s lads appeared promising in the game with their prospect in front of goals, they were made to wait for the second half before the beautiful moment was birthed.
Rivers United, at their best in the encounter held on to the goal advantage and showed intent and class with a view to consolidate on their seemingly positive track record in Ilorin.
In the meantime, the tactical and technical shift from Coach Abdullahi Biffo changed the tide of the game to the favour of the homeside. The tactician ringed a substitutions bell which saw the introduction of some players like Samad Kadiri, Abayomi Junior and Issa Gata in to game.
Consequently, the team would prove that they wouldn’t need more than the substitutions to make their teeming fans proud .
While a mix up in the defense in the 57 minutes offered Samad Kadiri the opportunity to get an equalizer, their dominance would eventually paid off in the 75th minutes when the Midfield maestro, Jide Fatokun scored an header to earn the homeside an historical victory.
What the victory means?
It means that Kwara United with 40 points have now moved an inch up to 5th position on the log while Rivers United still maintains the top table status with 55 points.
What next?
Kwara United will be on the road to face a relegation threatening Kano Pillars in the matchday 27 while Rivers United will play host to MFM FC at the Adokiye Amasiemaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.