The game started with Rivers United going all out ,attacking the Lobi side with reckless abandon. In the 12th minute David Tyavkase forced a brilliant save from Rotimi Sunday. The resulted corner was wasted by Lobi striker Anthony Okpotu.
Lobi Stars then turned attack into defence in the 16th minute when Lobi's defender Shehu Nasiru fouled Rivers United Ofem Inah. The referee awarded a free kick which was converted by Ovoke Bernard but Ajia Emmanuel of Lobi Stars cleared with a header.
In the 18th minute Rivers United appeal for a penalty fell to deaf ears, after the ball touched the hands of Lobi Stars player in the 18 yard box but the referee waved played on.
Rivers United attack started asking questions of the Lobi Stars defence as Guy Kuimen took on Ayagwa Raphael. Kuimen beats him with speed and lays a pass to Bernard Ovoke who shoots wides as he attempts to curl it from an angle.
In the 27th minute of play Lobi were awarded a free kick after Gabriel Olalekan (scorer of the own goal against Rangers which incidentally is the only goal conceded by Rivers United at home this season) fouled highest goal scorer and star man Anthony Okpotu of Lobi Stars. But Rivers United goalkeeper Sunday Rotimi Saves easily.
In the 31st Minutes Rivers United Ovoke raced towards goal from the wing, he delivers a telling pass to Guy Kuimen who blasted wide.
In the 40th minute Rivers United second appeal for a penalty fell on the rock, after Bernard Ovoke was brought down but just like the first incident the referee turned a blind eye again. It was more attacks upon attacks as Rivers United tries to beat the stubborn Lobi goalkeeper Okiemute Obah. who was excellent on the night.
In the 44th minute Ovoke laid a telling pass to Guy Kuimen, the entire crowd held their breath excepting a goal. But the Ivory Coast striker blasted that glorious chance to give Rivers United a half time lead. Minutes later it was the turn of Victor Alegbe who also missed a chance just outside the box after he was played in by Guy Kuiman.
Rivers United started the second half the brighter side as Rivers United appealed for yet another penalty for the third time but the Referee turned a blind eye again.
The Port Harcourt side continued to rain brimstones of attack on the Markudi side hoping to get that goal worth like a diamond. But stiff resistance from former Sharks goalkeeper and present Lobi Stars goalkeeper Okiemute Obah made it impossible.
In the 42nd minute Rivers State Yusuf Jaiyeola missed another goal scoring chance after coming one on one with Lobi's goalkeeper Okiemute Obah.
Two minutes later Bernard Ovoke drew a brilliant save from Lobi Stars goalkeeper Okiemute Obah. Who parried away for a corner kick. Ovoke headed the resulted corner kick away for a goal kick.
The heaven opened up and the rain showed the players but that did not stop Rivers United gaffer Stanly Eguma from making the substitution as Kola Anubi came in for Victor Alegbe.
Rivers United continued to attack with reckless abandon as Guy Kuiman wins the ball on the touch line and delivers a telling cross but no Rivers United player was available to finish off. Minutes later at the other end Lobi goalkeeper drew a spectacular save off Christian Weli.
To spice up things Rivers United made another substitution, as Daniel Israel was introduced for the impressive Guy Kuiman. Played continued as Rivers United kept on searching for that all important goal.
Coach Godwin Uwua of Lobi made three substitution bring on Akombo Ukeyima for Anthony Okpotu who was pocketed by Gabriel Olalakan all through the match, Eweche Sunny also came in for Immenger Barnabas Nanen and Makalala Victor came in for David Tyavkase.
But that substitution move by the Lobi coach proved abortive and helpless as Christian Weli gave Rivers United the lead in the 79th minute as he latched in a header into the corner with precision.
Ovoke and Israel both had chances to add to the home side's tally but the duo blasted their efforts over the bar.
Match details
Goal: Rivers United 1 vs Lobi 0
Corner Rivers United 8 vs Lobi 1
Yelow Card: 1 (Yusuf Jayeiola, 17 minutes) Rivers United
Red Card: None
Possession: Rivers United 59% vs Lobi Stars 41%
Squad
Rivers United: 22. Sunday Rotimi, 33. Ofem Inah, 3. Ali Chinwendu, 21. Yusuf Jayeiola, 19. Festus Austine, 12. Gabriel Olalekan, 7. Ovoke Bernard, 9. Guy Kuemian, 14. Chinonso Okonkwo, 27. Weli Christian, 10. Victor Alegbe
Subs: 25. Anyalogu Godwin, 6. Ayobami Asekunuwo, 16. Daniel Israel, 18. Wilson Andoh, 26. Kola Anubi, 28. Obinze Godwin, 35. Kingsley Patrick
Lobi Stars: 30. Okiemute Odah, 2. Bunde Moses, 31. Shehu Nasiru, 13. Ayagwa Raphael, 5. Agbaji Anthony, 6. Dennis Nya, 29. Patrick Ikeokwu, 8. Ajia Emmanuel, 11. Anthony Okpotu, 20. Tyavkase David, 10. Imenger B. Nanen
Subs: 16. John Lawrence, 12. Gwaza Iorliam,27. James Atumba, 25. Eche Idakwo, 19. Victor Makalala, 28. Akleche Sunday, 17. Akombo Ukeyima By Okorodike Laurel Chinedu
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