Reigning Nigeria Premier Football League Player of the Month, Clinton Jeptha, dazzled fans with a spectacular goal on his return to action, despite Niger Tornadoes narrowly falling 3-2 to Rivers United in Port Harcourt. Jeptha, who earned the April Player of the Month award for his outstanding performance with 4 goals and 2 assists, continues to prove his star quality on the field.
Rivers United emerged victorious in a five-goal thriller against Niger Tornadoes, despite a valiant second-half comeback from the visitors. The hosts dominated the first half, with captain Nyima Nwagua and Ekerette Udom scoring quick goals to give Rivers United a two-goal advantage at halftime.
Nwagua opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a close-range finish, courtesy of Ukeme Williams' brilliant assist. Ekerette Udom doubled the lead just five minutes later, nodding home from inside the box.
Goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo made way for Yusuf Mohammed as the former’s injury left the technical bench with no option but to make a change.
The visitors altered their approach in the second half, introducing leading scorers Bashir Usman and Clinton Jeptha. Clinton Jeptha, showcasing his star quality, made an immediate impact, scoring a sumptuous goal in the 57th minute to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
It was a thrilling encounter as Rivers United defeated Niger Tornadoes.
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The pulsating match turned up 5 goals with the home team going away with three, leaving the away team with 2 goals.
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Abubakar Adamu restored Rivers United's two-goal advantage with a spectacular free kick that caught Yusuf Mohammed napping. Moments later, Akintunde Azeez won a penalty after he was fouled in the box. Bashir Usman smartly converted from the spot to make it his 9th goal of the season.
Further efforts to level the score proved futile as the encounter ended 3-2 in favor of the hosts.
The Ikon Allah boys will now have a chance to revenge their slim loss in the Nigerian Federations Cup round of 32 game on Wednesday.
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The game will be played at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium - The last time Tornadoes played there the team ended Bendel Insurance's 18 year unbeaten home record which was the longest active run at the moment.
CLINTON JEPTHA WINS APRIL PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Clinton Jeptha was involved in all three goals for Niger Tornadoes as the away team won on the night 3-1 in April. He was named the man of the match after the performance and went on to win the award for player of the month last month.
Up Next: Rivers United vs Niger Tornadoes — FA Cup.
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