Rivers United suffered a disappointing Nigeria Professional Football League defeat on Sunday as they fell to a 1-0 defeat by Wikki Tourist at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi.
A brief lapse in concentration after a lively start from the Pride of Rivers allowed the host to get what eventually proved to be the match-winner on 13 minutes through Manu Garba’s well-struck shot.
Rivers United tried to rally themselves back into the game with Chijioke Akuneto, Nyima Nwagua and Paul Acquah causing the Tourist all sorts of trouble up front.
The best chance of the first half fell to Akuneto, who looked certain to score from a sweeping counter-attack. Chijioke Akuneto was played through the middle but saw his effort hit the side net.
Rivers United came out fighting in the second half and Morice Chukwu tried his luck twice in quick succession before substitute Malachi Ohawume’s instinctive effort rolled just wide of the far post.
Still searching for an equaliser, Coach Eguma opted for a change of system with the introduction of Konan Ruffin and Solomon Okuruket.
The home fans thought they had doubled their lead in the 58th minute but solid defending from Denis Ndasi kept the scoreline at 1-0.
Joseph Onoja came close once more with a low driven effort and so too did Solomon Okuruket, followed by a stunning Morice Chukwu strike from distance, but the league leaders were unable to find a way past Galadima’s and secure a share of the spoils late on.
Rivers United maintain their NPFL top spot after 32 games, 7 points ahead of 2nd placed Plateau United.
Rivers United will now turn attention to the Rivers State AITEO Cup and will face Khana FC in the 2nd Semi-Final on Thursday 9th June 2022 before an NPFL matchday 33 home fixture against Abia Warriors at the weekend.
