Enyimba International have dethroned Rivers United as reigning champions of the Nigeria Professional Premier League following a 1-1 on the final matchday at the 2022/2023 NPFL Championship Play-offs at the Mobolaji Johnson Onikan Lagos Arena as they claim a record ninth title.
Finidi George’s side will now represent Nigeria at the CAF Champions League, Remo Stars emerges as second best while Rivers United are third best after the abridged league format was decided by a super six play-offs.
How it happened; the first cut chance of the game came in the 28th minute when Sadiq Abubakar had a great opportunity to give Enyimba International the lead but his close strike was saved by Rivers united goalkeeper Sochima Victor.
Moments later, thier hardwork was rewarded when Ekene Awazie put Enyimba 1-0 ahead after he capitalized on a poor ball clearance from the Rivers United defence in the 40th minute.
Nyima Nwagua, the captain of the side restored parity for his side just three minutes into the second half after a scrabble in the defense set a loose ball to his path following a delightful free kick by Chidiebube Duru.
Both sides pressed on to get the winning goal but Enyimba couldn’t get past the goalkeeper of Rivers United Sochima Victor neither could Rivers United get past Ojo Olorunleke with both goalkeepers invited by Jose Peseiro for the upcoming AFCON game against Sierra-Leone.
Five minutes of additional, all square between both sides chasing the biggest prize with a cash prize of #100,0000, and it’s done, Enyimba are champions of Nigeria football, dethroniny Stanley Eguma’s Rivers United after a 1-1 draw.
