Despite Loss to Lobi, Rivers Utd Insist Title Defence Not Negotiable 

Lobi Stars of Makurdi on Wednesday at the New Jos Stadium, came from a goal down to beat Rivers United 3-2 in the rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

The encounter between the two top teams in Group B lived up to the hype with the fans at the edge of their seats for the entire duration of the game.

Ghana midfielder, Farouk Mohammed gave Rivers United the lead from a superb free-kick three minutes after the break.

The hosts levelled four minutes later courtesy of a wonder strike from Umar Abba.

The game looked to be heading for a stalemate before Wasiu Alalade put Lobi Stars in front from a John Lazarus’ cross four minutes from time.

Rivers United responded with Chiamaka Madu slotting home Ebube Duru’s cross on the stroke of 90 minutes.

There was, however, a late twist as former Rangers forward, Elijah Ani won it for Lobi Stars with a wonderful header deep into stoppage time.

Lobi Stars extended their lead at the top of the log to six points following the win, with Rivers United remaining in second position.

In spite of the setback in Makurdi, the league’s defending champions are however optimistic of defending the league title they won last season despite the fact that this season’s edition is abridge and the team still have to navigate through the play offs before it emerges winner.

Rivers United goalkeeper, Victor Sochima has revealed that the team’s main aim is to successfully defend their Nigeria Premier Football League title.

The Pride of Rivers won the NPFL title for the first time last season, fending off a strong challenge from Plateau United.

Stanley Eguma’s side are still in contention to win a back-to-back title after another strong showing this season. Rivers United currently occupy the second position on the Group B table and are among the favourites to secure a Super Six spot.

“We are aiming to defend the Nigeria Premier Football League title,” Sochima told an online newspaper.

“We have a perfect plan to achieve this dream, as we are not taking any team for granted.”