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By Abiodun Adewale.
Reigning champions Rivers United took a step closer to defending their Nigeria Professional Football League title on match-day four of the 2022/23 Super 6 playoffs after beating Bendel Insurance 2-1 in the first game on Saturday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The result condemned Bendel Insurance to their first league defeat this season after a run of 21 games.
After a cagey opening to the affair, Morice Chukwu smashed home the opener for Rivers United on the stroke of halftime as the game headed into the break 1-0.
Insurance resumed the second half with firepower but they couldn’t find a breakthrough as goalkeeper Victor Sochima and his defense line kept them at bay.
Second-half substitute, Joseph Onoja doubled Rivers United’s advantage in stoppage time before new Super Eagles invitee, Divine Nwachukwu pulled one back for Insurance – his third goal of the playoffs.
Remo records first win
In the second game of the day, two first-half goals from former league top scorer, Junior Lokosa, and Olamilekan Adams ensured Remo Stars stayed in contention for a continental spot as they beat Lobi Stars 2-0.
Lokosa grabbed the first goal with a header 17 minutes into the game while Olamilekan added the second with a calm finish off a square ball from Seun Ogunribide.
Daniel Ogunmodede’s side took their comfortable lead into the second half and had more chances to cushion their advantage.
Lokosa found himself one-on-one with Lobi goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel but couldn’t manage to squeeze the ball past him midway through the second half.
Second-half substitutes Dayo Ojo and Samuel Anaekwe also couldn’t find the target in different attempts as the game ended 2-0.
Rivers, Enyimba pick continental tickets
With eight points each, Rivers United and Enyimba lead the way and are sure of a place on the continent next season.
Both sides will however slug it out for the title in the last match of the playoffs on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Remo Stars who are on six points will require a win against Bendel Insurance on the last day in order to secure a continental spot just as the Benin Arsenal must beat them as well.