Robert Mizo on target again as late goal for Bayelsa United denies Rivers United

Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, champions Rivers United on Wednesday suffered a late heartbreak after letting slip their lead twice against Bayelsa United in Yenagoa.

Rivers United was forced to share the spoils with Robert Mizo-inspired Bayelsa following a 2-2 draw in the Niger Delta derby.

In what was a rescheduled matchday seven encounter in the NPFL, the host, inspired by an in-form Mizo, fought to the end as they ensured both clubs shared the spoils in the four-goal thriller

After the brilliant win in the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday, Rivers turned their attention to the NPFL looking to close the gap between them and Lobi Stars, the Group B leaders.

The Pride of Rivers started strongly and took a narrow lead at the break thanks to Super Eagles star Chiamaka Madu’s 35th-minute opener.

However, Bayelsa bounced back to level things just six minutes into the second half through Daniel Ekpo.

Rivers United restored their lead six minutes after the hour mark when Malachi Ohawume started a finished off a move to put the defending champions 2-1 up.

The scoreline remained in favour of the visitors who looked to have sealed the win on the road but could not hold on to the slim lead as Mizo struck in addition to ensure a share of the spoils.

Mizo on target again for Bayelsa Bayelsa United claimed a valuable point in the race to remain in the Football League after holding defending champions Rivers United to a draw at home.

The club’s top scorer this season, Mizo, was the hero of the day for the Restoration Boys after he netted a late goal to deny their visitors what looked like a win.

With the Pride of Rivers leading 2-1 and looking like taking all three points with them back to Port Harcourt, Mizo struck in added time to ensure both sides shared the spoils in the end.

The goal was his third in the last three league games, taking his tally to six this season in nine matches for Bayelsa.

Mizo has now moved joint-second with Imade Osarenkhoe of Bendel Insurance on the NPFL scorer’s chart in the league.

Rivers United missed the chance to close the gap between them and Lobi Stars to three points after the draw in Bayelsa. 

Stanley Eguma’s champions are third on the table with 14 points but have two games in hand. For Bayelsa United, despite the point at home, they remain in the danger zone as they sit eighth on the table.