Rivers United strengthened their grip on the summit of the Nigeria Skilled Soccer League after securing a hard-fought 1–1 draw towards Katsina United on Matchday 18 in Ilorin.
The guests confirmed their intent early on, urgent excessive and dictating the tempo towards a decided Katsina United facet wanting to impress on house soil. Rivers United’s dominance paid off within the twenty second minute when Azeez Falolu broke the impasse.
The midfielder reacted quickest contained in the field, ending from shut vary after sustained strain to present Rivers United a deserved lead heading into the interval.
With the benefit at halftime, Rivers United seemed composed and disciplined, managing possession successfully whereas remaining strong on the again.
Katsina United, nonetheless, emerged for the second half with renewed power, pushing numbers ahead looking for an equaliser. The sport opened up as either side traded attacking spells, setting the stage for a tense remaining quarter.
The house facet’s persistence was rewarded within the seventy fifth minute when Stephen Manyo, returning to motion, marked his comeback in model by discovering the again of the web. His objective reignited Katsina United’s hopes and lifted the ambiance, as they pressed for a possible winner within the closing levels.
Regardless of late strain from Katsina United, Rivers United confirmed resilience and tactical maturity to see out the competition. Their defensive organisation and sport administration ensured they left Ilorin with a useful level.
At full time, the 1–1 draw proved vital for Rivers United, who cemented their place additional on the high of the league standings with the purpose picked up on the highway.
Whereas Katsina United will take encouragement from their second-half response, Rivers United will view the consequence as one other necessary step of their title push.
Because the NPFL season continues to accentuate, Rivers United’s consistency away from house stays a key issue of their sturdy marketing campaign, with Matchday 18 providing additional proof of their championship credentials.
