It was the first home game for Coach Usman Abdallah since joining Katsina United at mid-season and elected to play a 4-3-3 formation with several new signings making the team.
Destiny Ashadi returned to the club on a second spell, while Omaka Chukwudi, Egbe Stephen, Tosin Omoyele and Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali were the other new lads.
Stanley Eguma paraded a 5-2-3 pattern that included a three-man strike force in the trio of Nyima Nwagua, Akuneto Chijoke and Ishaq Rafiu.
The host team dominated the first period with Destiny Ashadi, Omaka Chukwudi running things at the middle of the pack.
Madaki Alkali Dauda and Destiny Ashadi both fired from free kicks on separate occasions to force Goalkeeper Victor Sochima into early saves.
Onoja Joseph had the first attempt for Rivers United on 12 minutes, his curled effort was hooked by Stanley Nwabali, while Akuneto Chijoke blasted wide the other close attempt.
Second Half
Both team returned with greater energy in the second period playing to create chances.
Rivers United Rafiu smashed home a low strike, having received a pass from Chiamaka Madu, the goal did not stand as the referee made an offside call after consulting with his assistant.
The visitors took over possession to peg back their host as more chances were created, Onolja Joseph’s free header and Akuneto Chijoke’s close range strike were denied by Stanley Nwabali.
Onoja Joseph finally got the breakthrough inside the nine minutes additional time, making a solo effort before scoring the winner.
Rivers United now leads with 49 points from 22 matches and will host Enyimba International next.
Katsina United are on 19th position having amassed 21 points from 21 rounds of matches, their next game is away to Kano Pillars on Saturday.
Man of the match: Onoja Joseph (Rivers United)
Caution: Faisal Sani (Katsina United)
Caution: Onoja Joseph, Victor Sochima (Rivers United)
Katsina United Team List
Nwabali Stanley Gk 12, Frank Kappe 22, Faisal Sani 31, Usman Barau 4, Habibu Yakubu 5, Egbe Stephen 23, Mustapha Salisu 16, Omaka Chukwudi 25, Destiny Ashadi 20, Dauda Madaki Alkali 18, Tosin Omoyele 11
Subs Used: Mathew Emmanuel 14, Ogbonna Anafor 17, Oche Josiah Lionell 34
Unused Subs: Elkanah Godgift Gk 1, Nasiru Sani 3, Ahmed Abdulkareem 10, Aliyu Musa 35, Adebayo Waheed 32, Nafiu Ibrahim 24
Rivers United Team List
Sochima Victor Gk 16, Chigonum Ihunda 17, Chidiebube Duru 27, Lookman Binuyo 13, Ndasi Kadiang Denis 5, Temple Emekayi 33, Ishaq Rafiu 12, Akuneto Chijoke 31, Nyima Nwagua 28, Chiamaka Madu 18, Onoja Joseph 20
Subs Used: Desmond Agbekoomu 24, Akpabio Goerge 30
Unused Subs: Afelokhai Theophilus Gk 1, Esor Nelson Okwa 8, Ovoke Benard 9, Naziru Auwalu Ibrahim 10, Bamba Bakary 15, Mutiu Ogundimu 21, Olatunbosun Sikiru 29.
Venue: Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina
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