No points to mine for Niger Tornadoes as Rivers United go top after controversial win

NPFL champions Rivers United are the new leaders in Group B of the abridged season after a narrow win over Niger Tornadoes in Port Harcourt.

The defending champions defeated their counterparts from Minna 2-1 to register their second win of the new campaign, albeit in controversial circumstance.

Niger Tornadoes had a legitimate goal disallowed as Enyinna Kazie and Gideon Duru scored the goals for the Pride of Rivers while Waheed Adebayo netted the consolation for the visitors.

Holders, Rivers United, dominated the week three encounter at the Adokiye Amiesiemaka but have the centre referee to thank following a controversial call in the opening quarter.

The Pride of Rivers started on the front foot and were rewarded with an early goal when Kazie out the ahead after just seven minutes.

Tornadoes did pull a goal back but were denied by a controversial decision from centre referee, Faro Abdulrahman.

In the 15th, the visitors responded positively to going a goal down as Charles Okafor poked home to level the score, or so they though, from a corner following a poor error by Rivers United goalkeeper.

However, centre referee, Abdulrahman, broke the hearts of the Ikon Allah when he ruled out the goal for a foul in he build-up.

Just before the half-hour mark, the referee made amends for his earlier error when he awarded a penalty to Tornadoes.

Adebayo stepped up to convert expertly as the Minna-based side finally equalised.

The goal lasted just two minutes, however, as the host restored their lead moments later in super fashion.

Having won a free kick in a dangerous area, Duru stepped up to deliver an excellect kick into the top of the roof to put Rivers United ahead heading into the break.

The win means Rivers United have now beaten Tornadoes in each of the last five matches in Port Harcourt. The latest win sees the Pride of Rivers take charge of Group B with seven points, with Tornadoes adrift by one point in third position.