Lobi Stars produced a masterclass performance to see off a stagnant Rivers United in a convincing 4-1 win on Sunday.
The match which was one of the Matchday 17 encounters of the Nigeria Professional Football League, (NPFL) saw Rivers United scoring two own goals.
Lobi Stars’ forward Ossy Martins also ended his seven-game goal drought scoring one of the goals for Coach Kabir Dogo side.
Lobi did not waste much time to put their nose in front as they took the lead inside second minutes into the game.
Kunle Odunlami agonizingly redirected Ebube Duru’s delivery from a set piece to his own net after Joseph Onoja had fouled John Lazarus close to Rivers’ goal.
The hosts had their penalty appeal waived by referee four minutes after the opening goal when Fabian Nworie looks to have obstructed Ossy Martins in the box.
Rivers would soon took the barton of dominance and almost leveled up but Onoja’s left foot effort from the edge of the box went inches wide from goal.
Ebube also made a timely clearance to deny Rivers United a sniff at goal after Gopey had to set up Chika Godwin through on goal.
Rivers United’s best chance of the opening half was fluffed by Gopey as he failed to divert Kazie’s cross past helpless Mustapha Aliko, in goal for Lobi Stars.
With 10 minutes to end the pulsating first half, Rivers had the ball in the net as Fabian Nworie went on a solo run from defense before setting up Chika Godwin who calmly converted from close range but the goal would not count as referee signaled for offside.
The last effort of the first stanza came from Coach Stanley Eguma led side as Kazie hit wide a half volleyed chance from close range off a nice chip from Onoja.
The hosts started the second half of the game same they did in the first half as they doubled their lead when Mathias Samuel – with his first touch after replacing Ogunye- fed Ossy Martins who calmly shot between the legs of Akande Abiodun.
The introduction of Nelson Esor and Fortune Omoniwari changed the trend of the game and Rivers gained more moments of control.
That almost led to quick response for the Port Harcourt side when Chika Godwin located Omoniwari in a scoring position but the lanky forward wasn’t fortunate to beat Aliko.
Soon after, Omoniwari combined well with Esor to set up another attack for Rivers with the latter having his effort denied by the upright after beating Lobi keeper.
It was the turn of Godwin Aguda with yet another scoring opportunity for Rivers United but his effort was gathered by Aliko.
Lobi would then take the game past their visitors as they got their third goal. Douglas Achiv went on the counter before his low drive rattled the crossbar, Samuel Mathias finished up the rebound placing his curling effort beyond the reach of Akande Abiodun.
Omoniwari reduced the deficit for Rivers with a close range goal after Esor had outpaced Mutiu Ogundimi before setting him up to slot home.
Lobi were not done with goals as they restored the three goal cushion when under pressure, Fabian Nwore directed his header beyond Akande making it 4-1 and Rivers’ second own goal of the match.
It looked so late so little for the Eguma side despite the late surge from Esor, Aguda and Omoniwari with a wonderful goalkeeping from Aliko.
Lobi Stars Lineup:
Aliko Mustapha
Lazarus John
Ebube Duru (Chilekwu Chigozie)
Oshimaga Duke
Mutiu Ogundimi
Aghahowa Alex
Zenke Tersoo (Carlos Geleya)
Jimoh Oni (Emeka Isaac)
Ossy Martins
Douglas Achiv (Akile Monday)
Ogunye Austin (Samuel Mathias)
Sub not used:
Atsaka Daniel
Chilekwu Chigozie
Moses Tsehuan
Segun Alebiosu
Chininso Okonkwo
Rivers United Lineup:
Abiodun Akande
Kazie Enyinnaya
Bamba Bakary
Lookman Binuyo (Desmond Agbekpornu)
Kunle Odunlami (Festus Austin)
Fabian Nworie
Godwin Aguda
Stephen Gopey (Omoniwari Fortune)
Chika Godwin (Ishaq Kayode)
Kehinde Adedipe (Nelson Esor)
Joseph Onoja
Sub not used:
Ospino Egbe
Chigozie Ihunda
Konan Ruffi
Destiny Ashadi
