NPFL Rescheduled Game: Rivers United Fall as Bayelsa Grab Victory to Move to 15th

The Pride of Rivers fell to a 2-1 defeat against Bayelsa United FC in the last game of Match Day 32 of the Nigerian Premier Football League at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

The game which began at the initially slated date of Monday, April 29, 2024, by 4pm, was halted in the seventh minute and had to be continued at 8am the following day due to a heavy downpour.

Okorie Ekeson gave the hosts an early lead in the fourth minute of action before the halt, Deputy Echeta then tried to pull the visitors back in the 22nd minute upon resumption but his effort was blocked. Matthias Samuel also made an attempt with his shot saved by the Prosperity Boy’s keeper, Godgift Elkanah.

The lead remained in Bayelsa United’s hands at the half-hour mark as several attempts from Rivers United to equalise fell to infertile ground. All that changed in the second minute of additional time in the first half when Kazie Enyinnaya restored parity for the Port Harcourt-based side.

But the lead lasted for only a minute as Abdulrahman Muniru, whose effort from a free kick at the edge of the box in the first half had gone wide, gave his side back the lead with an exquisite goal, ultimately sealing an all-important victory for Bayelsa United.

The result means Bayelsa United FC moved up to 15th on the log, two points above the dropzone where Akwa United FC, Sunshine Stars FC, Heartland FC and Gombe United FC, occupy. While Rivers United FC who sit 13th would now turn their attention to their outstanding games.

The league will now go on break to allow Rivers United FC to complete all their outstanding games accumulated as a result of CAF Confederation Cup involvement.

Rangers International, Enyimba FC, Remo Stars FC and Shooting Stars FC are the top four going into the break.