Rivers United strengthened their preparations for the 2026/27 campaign by edging fellow Nigeria Premier Football League club Enyimba 1-0 in a competitive friendly at the Garden City Sports Centre, within the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The home team made the quicker start and fashioned the match’s first notable opening, with Enyimba goalkeeper Osagie Onisodumeya producing an excellent stop. Another Rivers United header then sailed above the bar.
Rivers United continued to control the contest and threatened again around the midway point of the opening period. However, a delicate lob drifted narrowly wide after Osagie had advanced from his goal. The goalkeeper was also on hand to claim another chance before the interval, ensuring the sides remained level at halftime.
Both teams made a number of changes after the restart, but Rivers United maintained their attacking pressure. Wasiu Falolu and Alex Oyowah linked up effectively soon after the break, although their attempt finished just outside the post.
The decisive goal arrived in the closing stages. Substitute Iyounna Douglas received a perfectly weighted delivery from Abdulmrasheed Dabai and composedly bent his finish into the bottom corner, giving Rivers United a deserved win.
Rivers United had previously defeated Abia Warriors during their preseason schedule, and this latest success provides another lift before the NPFL season begins and their CAF Champions League campaign gets underway.
New goalkeeper Ifeanyi Nchekwube also enjoyed a notable birthday, coming on at halftime to replace the opening-period goalkeeper and completing the match with a clean sheet.
Rivers United’s next focus will be the ValueJet Cup in Ikenne as their build-up to the new season continues.
Enyimba, meanwhile, are scheduled to return to the pitch today against Warri Wolves in another preseason fixture at the Southern Delta University Sports Complex in Ozoro.
