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By: Abiodun Adewale.
Rivers United’s Liberian forward, Albert Korvah, scored twice and Okon Inibong scored a stunner for Bendel Insurance in a thrilling Naija Super 8 South-South zonal elimination game which ended 3-2 in favour of Rivers United in Eket on Sunday.
Perhaps saving the best for last, the final game of the series didn’t disappoint with five goals in a frenetic end-to-end contest between the two representatives of Nigeria in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
Stanley Eguma paraded a strong side against a much-changed Bendel Insurance who didn’t even have coach Monday Odigie in the dugout.
Korvah opened the scoring 10 minutes into the game before Insurance levelled up from the penalty spot through Dede Muoghara on the stroke of halftime.
The Liberian restored Rivers United’s lead on the resumption of the second half before Iniobong took the spectators off their seats with a spectacular volley which left Victor Sochima in goal for Rivers United motionless for Insurance’s equaliser.
The 2022 NPFL champions however edged the game 3-2 in stoppage time thanks to a penalty by Maurice Chukwu.
Earlier, Northwest rivals, Kano Pillars and Katsina United renewed their rivalry ahead of the Nigeria National League playoffs in the first game on Sunday and it was the Katsina side who edged the game 1-0.
After missing several chances and having a goal ruled out for offside, the Chanji Boys won the game with five minutes left on the clock thanks to Samson Olasupo who beat the offside trap to slot beyond Joshua Enaholo in Kano Pillars goal.
As a result, Katsina United are the second NNL side to have qualified for the main tournament, joining Yobe Desert Stars who edged Gombe United 2-1 on Saturday.
Lobi Stars, Remo Stars, Enyimba, Yobe Desert Stars, Katsina United and Rivers United are the six winners of the playoffs ahead of the money-spinning tournament.
The draw for the main tournament will be held Thursday and the two wild card teams that will complete the Super 8 will also be revealed while the main competition will be held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos from July 7 to 16.